HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has sent a condolence message to Zimbabwe’s former first lady Janet Banana after her first-born son Michael collapsed and died in Liverpool, England.
The former Air Force of Zimbabwe pilot was due to undergo a heart operation, according to Mnangagwa.
“It is with great shock and sadness news of Michael Banana on November 17 in the United Kingdom. Micheal was the eldest son of our late first President Canaan Sodindo Banana,” Mnangagwa said in a statement.
“What Michael’s end so sad and painful is that he was already scheduled for a minor procedure to correct a heart ailment.
“We remember the young Michael then for the commitment and faithful service he rendered to his country among the pioneering group of the Air Force of Zimbabwe.
“As a pilot, he served in the Mozambican campaign. I wish to express my sincere condolences to the Banana family, especially to his mother Mama Janet Banana, Our inaugural first lady.”
In 1998, former president Banana was disgraced when he was found guilty of 11 charges of sexually assaulting a male former aide.
He was sentenced to 10 years in jail – nine of which were suspended – and his wife and family, including son Michael, sought political asylum in Britain in October 2000.
The late President Robert Mugabe, who routinely attacked gays and lesbians, described Banana as “a rare gift to the nation” when he died in 2003.
The government has not paid any pension to Banana’s widow, despite her repeated pleas.
