Tanzania’s Minister of Constitutional and Legal Affairs Augustine Mahiga 74, has died today Friday May 1 in Dodoma after a short illness, The Citizen reports.

The Directorate of Presidential Communications announced the Minister’s death in a statement released on Friday May 1, 2020.

The statement said Dr. Mahiga died suddenly at his home in Dodoma.

“By the time he was taken to hospital, he had passed away,’’ said the statement.

President John Magufuli sent condolences to the grieving family of the late Dr. Mahiga and the parliament, describing him as a humble man.

“Despite all the high government positions he held, he remained a humble person in his life,’’ said the statement quoting President Magufuli.

Tanzania on Thursday suspended Parliament sittings following the mysterious death of two Members of Parliament.

The cause of death of the duo hasn’t been be revealed.
The latest comes at a time the world continues to condemn President Magufuli for defying safety measures such as social distancing as outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Mr. Magufuli refused to close churches last month despite calls from medical experts from all quarters.

This, many believe may have contributed to the spread of the contagious disease in the country.

Instead, the Head of State termed worship centres as places where people could seek healing.