HARARE – The late Kent University law lecturer and Zimbabwean expatriate Dr Alex Magaisa’s body is set for repatriation from the United Kingdom for burial back home, family has confirmed.

The former advisor to late ex-Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday, a sad episode to nearly a decade long chronic condition which the prolific blogger openly admitted to friends and followers.

Esteri Magaisa, a family member, confirmed the renowned academic’s body is going to be repatriated from the UK, adding that a statement would be issued on Wednesday to announce further funeral arrangements.

“In terms of funeral arrangements, the programme is still in its infancy, but we will be repatriating his body from the United Kingdom; we want him buried here (Zimbabwe).

“The medical papers from Margate hospital where he died are still being processed.

“There are no delays with funeral arrangements, the process of repatriating a family member’s body usually takes weeks, and we are following all of the proper legal procedures to ensure the body is safely repatriated,” said Esteri Magaisa.

Dr. Magaisa, a constitutional law expert, began lecturing at Kent Law School in 2007, where he taught Public Law 2, Company Law and Capitalism, Contract Law, and International Financial Services Regulation.

Head of Kent Law School, Professor Lydia Hayes, said she was both shocked and saddened by the passing of a “much-loved colleague” she described as an “inspiration” and a “gifted teacher”.

“Dr Alex Tawanda Magaisa was an incredibly gifted teacher and formidable academic writer. For 15 years he has inspired colleagues and students alike,” she said in a statement posted on the university’s social media pages Monday.

“He was warm, gentle, kind and charming – a true gentleman – yet passionate and sharp minded, a considerable intellect. We will miss him greatly.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him at this very difficult time.”

Magaisa’s death has elicited an outpouring of grief both home and abroad with tribute messages from across the political spectrum, praising him for his sober intellectual contributions towards motherland.

In 2018, Magaisa broke his silence about his chronic illness, wishing then Foreign Affairs Minister Sibusiso Moyo (now late) a speedy recovery from a similar condition.

“When I wrote my earlier message, I realised a lot who follow me did not understand. For many, I am a strong and healthy chap. I’m not. I try hard but it’s not easy. 2013, when the situation was serious, I spoke to Mdhara Morgan (Tsvangirai) and got help. I’m a member of the suffering union.

“When I wish SB Moyo well, it has nothing to do with politics but everything to do with humanity. For the past 5 years I have lived with a chronic illness, believing in the right thing. Yet for many, Magaisa is a great man. I’m not. It’s not in my hands. I fight like all else.

“What makes us different from all other is that we do the right thing. I grew up with simple villagers. Good people. We looked after each other. That is how it should be. I may get along, like all is beautiful. It is not. Let us look out for each other, whatever out differences,” wrote Magaisa then.