Story By: Maja Mishevksa, Sub Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash

Polygamous Zimbabwean politician Luke Phibion Masamvu has died aged 62 of COVID-19 complications, leaving behind 12 wives and 79 children.

The former legislator of Zimbabwe’s ruling party Zanu-PF and MP for the Mutasa North Constituency in the country’s Manicaland Province, who was also known by the nickname Tsoka, died on 30th January.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, only 30 people were able to attend the funeral.

Luke’s brother John Masamvu told local media: “It is a very sad day for the entire Masamvu family. We have lost a big family man who also served his country in Parliament.”

Zimbabwe’s Deputy Youth Minister Tino Machakaire said: “I was really saddened to hear about the untimely passing of the former Honourable MP and businessman Masamvu.

“I am praying for the family at this trying time. Losing a loved father is not easy at all. The wound never heals. My prayer for the family is that they find the strength to keep going.”

Masamvu was a known polygamist that had 79 children from 12 different wives.

As of last year, nine of his children had already graduated from different universities while the rest were actively studying for their degrees.

In an interview a few years back, when asked how he managed to take care of such a big family, Masamvu said the key was having respect and love.

He said all his wives were mothers to his children and all the children happily called each of his wives ‘mom’.

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