Former Zimbabwe Finance Minister David Chapfika Dies in Car Accident

David Chapfika, Zimbabwe’s former Deputy Minister of finance, tragically died in a car accident on Thursday morning near Harare [[2]]. The accident occurred on the Harare-Shamva Road, close to Stordon Empire Farm in Goromonzi [[1]]. Chapfika, who was 68 years old, had a long and impactful career in both the banking and political sectors of Zimbabwe.

Details of the Fatal Car Accident

Reports indicate that the accident took place near the Mubvinzi River Bridge (Stondon), roughly 30 kilometers north of Harare. Chapfika’s Mercedes Benz ML reportedly collided with another vehicle before plunging off the bridge into a riverbed. The circumstances surrounding the crash have prompted questions, especially given Chapfika’s political background and affiliations.

Did You Know? Road traffic accidents in Zimbabwe are a significant concern, with the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe reporting over 2,000 fatalities annually due to factors like speeding, reckless driving, and poor vehicle maintenance.

David Chapfika’s Career in Finance and Politics

Before entering politics,Chapfika had a distinguished career in banking. He worked for Barclays Bank before Zimbabwe’s independence and later for First Merchant Bank (now BancABC), ZB Bank, and CalBank in Ghana. He also founded Universal Merchant Bank (UniBank), which later collapsed in 2002. As a politician, Chapfika represented Mutoko North, Mutoko South, and Mutoko East at different times. He held senior government positions, including Deputy Minister of Finance and Deputy Minister of Agriculture. He also chaired the Finance Committee in Parliament and was the first chairman of the National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment board.

Political Affiliations and Controversies

Chapfika’s death has sparked considerable discussion due to his historical ties to the late General Solomon mujuru and his widow, Joice Mujuru. During the ZANU PF factional conflicts, Chapfika aligned with the Mujuru-led faction, which challenged Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rise. Following Joice Mujuru’s ouster in 2014, Chapfika was sidelined from active politics. Sources indicate that in recent years, he had become increasingly critical of Mnangagwa’s leadership, particularly regarding corruption and economic mismanagement.

Pro Tip: Understanding Zimbabwe’s political landscape requires recognizing the deep-seated factionalism within ZANU PF and the historical rivalries that continue to shape the country’s political dynamics.

Speculation Surrounding Chapfika’s Death

The circumstances of Chapfika’s death have drawn comparisons to the death of General Solomon Mujuru, who died in a suspicious house fire in 2011. Mujuru’s death has long been viewed by many as an assassination linked to internal power struggles within ZANU PF. Adding to the unease, Chapfika’s younger brother, macdonald Chapfika, also died under questionable circumstances in 2019. While official government channels have attributed David Chapfika’s death to a road traffic accident, skepticism remains due to the political climate and his past affiliations.