Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Johannes Tomana, has died at the age of 56.
The former Attorney-General tragically died on Sunday, 06 August 2023, in the morning.
He was attending a relative’s funeral in Honde Valley, Manicaland when he reportedly fell victim to suspected food poisoning. A trusted family member has confirmed this sad news.
Tomanal fell ill suddenly while visiting his rural home in Honde Valley, complaining of “stomach pain,” as confirmed by relatives. Tragically, he passed away while efforts were underway to transport him to Harare.
In light of the circumstances surrounding his death, the family has requested a police investigation, suspecting possible food poisoning. Said a family member who requested anonymity:
We shared our concerns with Ruda police in Honde Valley and we were informed that CID Forensics is on its way from Harare.
Academic Ibbo Mandaza said in a tribute that
“Tomana was one of the finest lawyers that Zimbabwe has produced, it’s a pity that his detour to political and diplomatic office deprived some of us of his tremendous legal skills”.
Tomana, a lawyer by profession, was appointed as Zimbabwe’s Attorney General in 2009. He subsequently assumed the role of Prosecutor General in 2013. However, his new appointment was marred by controversy when he made a statement suggesting that 12-year-old children could consent to sex, which drew a public rebuke from then-First Lady Grace Mugabe.
In 2017, Tomana was dismissed from his position for misconduct and incompetence following a recommendation for his dismissal by a tribunal established by former President Robert Mugabe. One of the charges against him included defying court orders.
Although he attempted to return to private practice as a lawyer, his application to the Law Society of Zimbabwe initially faced rejection due to not passing the “fit and proper” person test.
In 2020, President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed Tomana as ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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