Staff Reporter

The late Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA) Chief Executive, Douglas Munatsi who died on Monday in a house fire, will receive a state assisted funeral, a government official has said.

In a statement, the Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda said President Mnangagwa had authorised a state assisted funeral for the late businessman.

“The President, Cde. Dr E.D Mnangagwa has directed that the late Douglas Munatsi who passed on earlier in the week be accorded a state-assisted funeral. The Office of the President and Cabinet will liaise with the bereaved Munatsi family to ensure this directive by His Excellency the President is effected.

“The office continues to stand by the bereaved Munatsi family during this very difficult time,” reads part of the Statement.

The late businessman was alone in his penthouse at the upmarket Northfields apartments in Harare when fire engulfed the main bedroom, leaving him with burns on the hands and legs.

Police have since launched an investigation into the cause of the mysterious fire and have indicated that they are keen to interview a woman believed to be among the last people to see the prominent banker. The police have also questioned five people in connection with the case.

Munatsi was a former BancABC CEO before being appointed ZIDA boss by President Mnangagwa two years ago.

He was 59.