Former Deputy Finance Minister David Chapfika dies after vehicle drives off bridge

HARARE – David Chapfika, a former Deputy Minister of Finance and a long-serving Zanu-PF politician, died on Thursday in a tragic road accident that occurred near Chabwino, at the Stondon Bridge, when his vehicle reportedly drove off the bridge and landed on its roof in the river.

He was 68 years old.

Authorities confirmed that Chapfika, a veteran legislator and current member of the Zanu-PF Central Committee, died instantly at the scene. He was driving a Mercedes-Benz ML when it collided with another car.

Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, and details regarding other occupants involved, if any, are not yet available.

News of Chapfika’s death has deeply affected political circles and his home district of Mutoko.

During former President Robert Mugabe’s tenure, Chapfika served as Deputy Minister of Finance in the early 2000s. A qualified economist, he also contributed to several parliamentary committees throughout his political career.

In 2021, false reports of his death from Covid-19 complications were publicly refuted. This time, however, his passing has been confirmed by both family members and party officials.

While Chapfika had largely withdrawn from active frontline politics in recent years, he remained a keen observer and critic of national affairs. Friends noted his frequent visits to the SAPES Trust in Harare, run by academic and public intellectual Professor Ibbo Mandaza.

There, he would often share frank opinions about the state of the nation, reportedly expressing criticism of President Emmerson Mnangagwa administration, which he privately described as corrupt and incompetent.

His death follows that of his younger brother, businessman MacDonald Chapfika, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 57. MacDonald collapsed outside the Munhumutapa government offices after a meeting concerning a maize import deal.

Former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa expressed his condolences saying, “My condolences to the Chapfika family following the passing away of former Deputy Minister of Finance David Chapfika. We worked well with him in Parliament. Quite an intelligent and astute person in many things.”

The Zanu-PF party and its government are yet to issue statements concerning his death.

Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Paul Mavima also mourned the passing of his fellow Zanu-PF member.

He said: “My deepest condolences on the tragic passing of Former Deputy Finance Minister David Chapfika. May his family find strength and comfort during this difficult time. May his legacy and contributions be remembered and cherished. Rest in peace, Honourable Chapfika.”