Former Norton MP Temba Mliswa is under fire for his condolence message following the d3ath of former ZBCTV Breakfast News anchor, Zvikomborero Sibanda.
Sibanda passed away on Thursday morning in Bulawayo after a long struggle with fibroid-related complications.
Mliswa took to his X account to express his sorrow over Sibanda’s passing, sharing how they had previously shared an “amazing relationship” before she got married.
He stated, “It was saddening to hear of the passing of Zvikomborero Sibanda, whom I have known from the 2000s. We had an amazing relationship, but she later moved on and got married. However, we remained friends and I gained so much from her advice as a media person.”
However, his message has attracted significant criticism on social media. Many users deemed his remarks inappropriate and disrespectful, particularly given that Sibanda was a married woman.
They questioned the relevance of mentioning their past relationship during such a sensitive time, calling it unnecessary and poorly timed.
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Reactions on social media were swift, with users voicing their disapproval:
@TaperaEmmanuel chimed in, “Why mention you once having an ‘amazing relationship’ with her?”
@desmondsharukai criticized him, saying, “Unoramba uchitaura nemukadzi wemunhu because wakambodanana naye. Then paanoshaya wotaurira nyika yese kuti maiwirirana zvekuti bhee. What if the husband didn’t know? Especially given your known tendencies—very disrespectful.”
@DrK3819 questioned, “Must it be known that you had a relationship with her? Temba, what kind of person are you? What exactly is this supposed to mean to the husband and family? Apa unozviti Sabhuku? Ndoo tsika nemagariro acho here?”
@Pachisolife added, “Aaah Sabhuku. Is it necessary to talk about the ‘relationship’ now? Aaaah.”
@baba_bulawayo simply stated, “Have some shame. It feels like you want people to know you once had her.”
Temba Mliswa’s attempt to pay tribute to Zvikomborero Sibanda has undoubtedly drawn ire, overshadowing the intended message of condolence with concerns over respect and propriety.
https://x.com/TembaMliswa/status/1885288820129591648
