ONE of the MDC’s founder members Renson Gasela has been killed in a horrific car crash, along with two other senior officials, the party announced on Sunday.

Gasela, who was secretary for lands in the Arthur Mutambara-led party and a former MP for Gweru Rural, died when their vehicle rammed into a stationary front-loader 25km outside Zvishavane on the road to Gweru on Saturday night.

Also killed in the crash was Lyson Mlambo, chairman of the party’s disciplinary committee, as well as the chair of the women’s assembly for Midlands south – Ntombizodwa Gumbo.

The party’s spokesman Edwin Mushoriwa said six other officials were injured in the crash and are hospitalised at the United Bulawayo Hospitals. The injured include Benias Chikweya, Felix Pireyi, George Mukaro, a Ms Mhishi and the driver, Lavender Mugavhu.

The officials were returning from a party meeting in Zvishavane.

Expressing “profound shock and sorrow” at the three officials’ death, Mushoriwa said: “The party has indeed lost dear friends and compatriots whose contribution and dedication to the fight for democracy has been beyond measure.

“We take solace in that the Lord has made his decision. We shall always cherish the times that we have shared with our departed compatriots though the void created by their untimely deaths will be difficult to fill.

“MDC also extends its heartfelt sympathies to the families of those injured in the same accident who are recovering at United Bulawayo Hospital. The party wishes them a speedy recovery.”

Gasela was named shadow secretary for agriculture when the MDC was formed in 1999. A successful farmer in the Midlands and former boss of the Grain Marketing Board, he is a hugely respected expert on agriculture.