By Nyashadzashe Ndoro | Nehanda Diaspora |
Michael Banana, the son of the Zimbabwe’s first president Canaan Banana, reportedly collapsed and died yesterday. He was based in the UK after seeking asylum in the country in 2000.
Veteran broadcaster Ezra Tshisa Sibanda confirmed Tuesday night on his Facebook page the passing on of Michael.
“I’m deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden death of Michael Banana in Liverpool, UK today. It’s reported he just collapsed and died, this is unbelievable and so so painful. My heart goes to his family and MHDSRIP,” he said.
In 2013, Michael was investigated by the Stockport Council in Greater Manchester, United Kingdom (UK) for benefit fraud in an alleged scam involving his wife, Caroline Banana, a £95 000 winner on the Deal Or No Deal television game show.
Banana was accused of receiving cash for a council house while living elsewhere with benefit cheat Caroline, who tasted success on Noel Edmonds’ games show.
Caroline, who had continued to claim benefits despite the mammoth win, was filmed by undercover officers for a series about the UK’s worst fraudsters. But while they were following her, they discovered that her husband Michael was living with her in Stoke.
Michael’s father Canaan Banana was convicted in 1998 of 11 counts of sodomy, attempted sodomy and indecent assault, all stemming from incidents with young bodyguards, gardeners and cooks assigned to him when he was President from 1980 to 1987. A murder trial involving Dube exposed the abuses, as Dube in his defence claimed the man he killed had taunted him as ‘Banana’s Wife’.
Banana’s wife and family, including son Michael, sought political asylum in Britain in October 2000.
Former president Robert Mugabe described Banana senior as “a rare gift to the nation” when he died in 2003. Banana’s other son Nathan has been fighting relentless to clear his father of the sodomy charges claiming he was a victim of political machinations. Nehanda Radio
The Banana🍌 republic
Shame
RIP Michael
Shame .he was in UK
RIP
His sister was buried Three days ago and it’s now him again hey Yea this is too much May his Soul Rest in Peace
Eng Knowledge Power Bungu sister? Do you mean Nobuhle?
Thami Metsing Yes the one who died recently they were brother and sister with Michael
Eng Knowledge Power Bungu so sad i didnt know, was she also in UK?
Thami Metsing nobuhle was in Bulawayo and was their only sister
Eng Knowledge Power Bungu i knew her but lost contact years ago, Psalm 34v18
Thami Metsing Iam totally left with no words I lknow this family from when their father was still alive they were like a family to us my daddy was an army General they were very close
Eng Knowledge Power Bungu Lyf brother
Eng Knowledge Power Bungu do U mean Beauty? The youngest ?
Esther Chikurunhe not beauty but his name was Nobubelo banana their sister passed on last week
R:I:P
RIP Mike
Mhsrip
RIP
RIP
Mhsrip
So sad, rest in peace man
Rip
Rip bra
Sad
Aigaraa kupi andimuzivii hangu but RIP
RIP
Rip
MHSRIP
rip
rip
He hasn’t even been laid to rest and here u are on a smear campaign! A little respect! Such an necessary excuse of an article!
Rip
😭
Mhsrip but why seeking political asylum?
Mhsrip
RIP
RIP
Rest in peace brother
RIP
Sodindoo
MHSRIP
Mhsrip
R.I.P baba wako ndiye minister ega andayiwona achifamba netsoka dzako asina ZRP
Dassan Dyirakumunda unonyepereyi nhaiwe mudhara ..aive minister wechii ..gore ripi
RIP
Ko mushakabvu angaasinawo here kuita mabasa akanaka mu hupenyu? Zvese zvamanyora zvingoro negetivi indava?
MHSRIP. Terrible reporting here.
Nematambudziko
Oh no my sincere condolences to the Banana family