Zim ambassador to Belgium dies

Zimbabwe’s representative to Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and the European Union, Ambassador Hurudza Punungwe, has died.

Ambassador Punungwe died in Brussels, Belgium, on Monday.

In a condolence message to Ambassador Punungwe’s family, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described his death as “tragic and untimely”.

“The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, Deputy Minister Moses Mzila-Ndlovu, Secretary for Foreign Affairs Joey Bimha, and the entire staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs extend their heartfelt condolences to the Punungwe family on the tragic and untimely loss of Ambassador Hurudza Punungwe, who passed away on 6 October, 2009, in Brussels, Belgium,” read part of the statement from the ministry.

The ministry said Ambassador Punungwe would be remembered as a dedicated cadre who had served the country with distinction throughout his life.

“As we mourn the passing on of Ambassador Punungwe, we pray that the Punungwe family derives comfort in the knowledge that we are with them in this hour of greatest need,” the statement said.

Ambassador Punungwe joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1982 and was posted to Zimbabwe’s Permanent Mission in New York from 1984 to 1990.

Burial arrangements are still to be finalised.