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By Elvis Dumba
The Zvimba Rural District Council’s long-serving ZANU (PF) councillor Reuben Smith who served the local authority for over 30 years has died after a long illness.
Smith resigned at the beginning of 2021 citing health reasons.
He was the founder of Kingpin Contractors – a dam and road construction company that did many projects in the country.
Zieman Mugwagwa, the Zvimba Rural District Councillor for ward 34 said he received the news of Smith’s with shock.
“It was shocking news as Cde Smith was someone we looked up to for advice. He had vast experience in local government issues and was instrumental in shaping the policies and development of Zvimba District as a whole,” he said
Banket Town Board Chairperson Never Hutepasi said the death of Cde Smith was a major blow to the development of the rural district.
“It’s a blow to the whole district. Smith was someone who was quick to give advice and point out wrongs in the council,” he said
Smith died at his farm at Pindi Park Farm near Banket in Zvimba South Constituency. In 2018, Smith turned down requests for him to stand for the position of MP.
Burial arrangements are still yet to be finalized with calls for provincial hero status made.
