Zanu-PF national chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo has expressed shock at the death of Zimbabwe's ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo Cde John Mayowe.

Cde Mayowe succumbed to cancer on Saturday while on treatment in South Africa. His body is expected to arrive in Harare this evening.

In a condolence message, Cde Khaya Moyo said: "I knew Cde John Mayowe as a distinguished freedom fighter and a liberator of impeccable credentials. He was a true patriot, humble, principled and a down-to-earth revolutionary.

"Unlike others, he never believed in grandstanding but in serving his country with dignity and pronounced focus."

Cde Khaya Moyo said Ambassador Mayowe was a seasoned and polished diplomat who defended Zimbabwe's image and sovereignty with precision.

"Zanu-PF has lost an exceptional cadre. A man of purposeful courage. A man of honesty, who hated corruption to the marrow. A dedicated servant of the people."

He said Zimbabwe had become poorer after Cde Mayowe"s death.

In a statement on Monday, the chairman of the Josiah Magama Tongogara Legacy Foundation Cde Simbi Mubako said they had learnt with great shock the death Ambassador Mayowe.

"He was a dedicated cadre who worked closely with Cde Tongogara as Director of the Chitepo School of Ideology, in providing intellectual direction to cadres in the latter part of the liberation struggle. That included the initial training of many political commissars in Zanu-PF active to this day.

"He was a unifier who also provided knowledge tools for use in training and liberation studies, including, among others. His active participation before and after Independence contributed to building a strong intellectual foundation for the party and country," he said.

"He was the driving force behind establishment of the Chimoio Monument while serving in Mozambique. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Mrs Tendai Mayowe, children and family."

At independence, Ambassador Mayowe served as Zimbabwe's top diplomat to Romania, Senegal, Mozambique and Sweden before his deployment to the DRC.

He also served as head of policy, research and training in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mourners are gathered at Number 17 Huxman Road, Greendale, Harare.

Ambassador Mayowe is survived by his wife Tendai and five children.