Veteran Radio Zimbabwe broadcaster Sam Sibanda has died. He was 60. Sibanda died in the early hours of Sunday at his home in Unit N, Chitungwiza, after succumbing to a stroke. Family spokesperson, Mr Christopher Sibanda, who is Sam's younger brother said sometime in 2004, Sibanda reportedly suffered a stroke which left his left arm partially paralysed.

He said burial was set for Mberengwa tomorrow at 10am. Mourners are gathered at number 12585 Unit N in Chitungwiza

According Sivukile Simango, ZBC's public relations officer, a church service would be held today at St Monica's Church in Chitungwiza.

"The body will then leave for Mberengwa where it will lie in state before burial on Wednesday," he said.

Simango described Sibanda's death as painful.

"All of us here at ZBC are saddened by his death. He started broadcasting in 1975 during the colonial era. He imparted his knowledge and experience to the young broadcasters.

"What is more painful is that he was on duty on Saturday between 9am to 12 midday shift.

"He was supposed to be back on the airwaves the next day. However, when the driver went to his house to pick him up he was dead," Simango said.

Zimbabwe Union of Journalists described Sibanda as a distinct media personality whose legacy was his passion to mentor several upcoming journalists.

"We have been robbed of an astute broadcaster. He was a prominent voice that popularised radio in Zimbabwe and was a rare breed with the unique ability to fluently speak several local and foreign languages," Foster Dongozi, ZUJ secretary general said.