In a sad development, the Economic Empowerment Group (EEG) has been plunged into mourning following news that its Secretary General Clifford Hlupeko has died.
Hlupeko’s untimely demise was confirmed by former Zanu-PF Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs Tendai Chirau and other party members.
Chirau took to his Facebook page and announced that Clifford Hlupeko, who was also EEG Chinhoyi District Chairperson, suffered a fatal heart attack on Wednesday at the EEG offices.
Chirau wrote:
It’s with great sadness to inform you of the passing away of Cde CliffordHlupeko. He was the National Secretary General of Economic Empowerment Group (EEG) and District chairman in Chinhoyi. He had a heart attack at the EEG offices late this afternoon. MHSRIP
Chirau and other Zanu-PF members, unfortunately, did not offer details regarding funeral and burial arrangements.
Hlupeko rose to prominence after he held a press conference earlier this year and criticised Zimdancehall musician Winky D for his new album Eureka.
Clifford Hkupeko’s criticism came as a surprise as he also advocated for Winky D to be banned from performing in Zimbabwe.
“We have noted with great concern the lyrics in Wallace Chirumiko aka Winky D’s recent album launch which is full of derogatory staff. Musicians should sing lyrics that unite and build the nation and not to be retrogressive. So this is of great concern to us as proponents of economic development. Most of the contents are meant to sow seeds of despondency and anarchy mostly to the youth population. We don’t welcome that and we don’t encourage it,” he said at the time.
Hupeko became a founding member of the EEG after his dismissal from the Affirmative Action Group (AAG), where he had previously held several positions.
He was also the chairman of the Chinhoyi Residents Association. In 2011, Clifford Hlupeko was arrested for prospecting for minerals without a license and keeping explosives.-iharare
