Learnmore Jongwe commemorated by Trust launch

The Learnmore Jongwe Trust was established to continue his legacy, mainly by aiding youths and students in the country and furthering their education. The Trust seeks to provide a central and effective facility for all youth and student organisations, which will be a resource base for research, debate and formulation of relevant policies and laws. The Trusts work is set to benefit not only Jongwes surviving dependents, but also Zimbabwean youths and students in general, including student and youth organisations.

Prior to his death in remand prison on 24th October 2002, Jongwe had served as a student leader with the University of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe National Students Union, and also later as the national Youth Chairperson and Spokesperson of the MDC. He was also an elected member of Parliament for the Kuwadzana constituency.

However, Jongwes promising career came to an abrupt and violent end after he murdered his own wife Rutendo, in a domestic dispute. The incident led to his eventual death in remand prison, under unclear circumstances, after he was allegedly poisoned in custody. There is also much speculation that suggests that Jongwe may have taken his own life. Before his death, Jongwe had said he regretted the tragic events of the last few weeks of his life and apologised unconditionally for his wifes murder.

But the MDC believes Jongwe, the partys former spokesperson, was murdered while behind bars. Speaking at the launch of the Trust last week, party Secretary General Tendai Biti said Jongwe was assassinated.

The state has tried to propagate the theory that Jongwe committed suicide but it is impossible to smuggle anything into prison, Biti said, speaking of the poison that was found in Jongwes system after an independent autopsy. Its not possible, so if anything is smuggled in there, they would have allowed you to smuggle it, Biti continued.