The death of MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai's bodyguard, Nhamo Musekiwa, has sparked debate over the cause of his death. A party statement linked the death to injuries sustained when he was brutally assaulted after an aborted prayer rally in March.

Other reports have however suggested Musekiwa was HIV positive and that he succumbed to this condition. While news agencies were unaware of his private health status the revelations have thrown up a debate over cause and effect, given he was indeed tortured in custody and was sent to South Africa for treatment.

Experts interviewed said it was a thin line and difficult to prove what eventually killed Musekiwa. 'An HIV positive person needs to have a healthy life style in order to live longer and certainly to be assaulted and tortured the way Nhamo was compromised his health.' One HIV counsellor told Newsreel disclosing Musekiwa's HIV status has resulted in him being subjected to discrimination. 'Its now easy for those who beat him up to run away from responsibility over his death when they are clearly aware they affected his overall health,' he said.

On Friday party spokesman Nelson Chamisa was adamant that they blame his death on the torture. 'If someone is HIV positive and they get run over by a car, what will you say is the cause of their death?'

Chamisa said Musekiwa was in good health before the beating but soon after had to be transferred to South Africa for treatment. Whatever the actual cause of death it should not take away from the fact Musekiwa was arrested alongside party leader Morgan Tsvangirai and brutally assaulted and tortured.

This is indisputable and his memory should be respected for his dedication in trying to help Zimbabwe become free at last.