Alex Tawanda Magaisa, who was the former advisor to the late former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, died on Sunday morning in Britain where he was based.

The academic’s sudden death shocked many Zimbabweans, with several prominent taking to Twitter to express their disbelief and sorrow. Here are some of the reactions to Magaisa’s passing away:

George Charamba (Presidential spokesperson), responding to journalist Hopewell Chin’ono: Nedzinoparadzaka idzi. But the way you harp about the absence of cancer machines here in Zimbabwe, one would think that people in England don’t die because there is a whole arsenal of medical equipment. If he had died at Parirenyatwa you would be blaming govt. But now who do you blame.

Nelson Chamisa (Opposition CCC leader):  A HUGE BLOW FELLOW CITIZENS! What a force, a giant! What a human being! What an intelligent man! What gigabytes of intellect! What a fine great man! What a sober mind! What a cool character! What a lovely brother! And he has not seen his heart’s desire-A New Great ZIMBABWE.

Mduduzi Mathuthu (ZimLive editor): Alex Magaisa’s death, at the height of his intellectual powers, is an extremely shocking event and setback for the pro-democracy movement in Zimbabwe. He brought such clarity to political and legal discourse in our country and I hope he will forever be remembered. R.I.P bro!

Elias Mambo (Zim Morning Post editor): Only last week at 13:10 I missed your call…I returned the call 3 mins later…”Munin’ina I haven’t been too well..But keep pushing..the Pomona deal is a real scandal…I just called to say hi after seeing your post…”.. Mukoma hamudero!!!

Sibanengi Dube (Zimbabwe Observer publisher) Another voice that has been constantly echoing choruses of democracy has been permanently silenced. We are poorer without him, but ndiMwari vaita kuda kwavo.

Kuda Musasiwa (Businessman): Politics will never be the same again for me. I always looked forward to  @Wamagaisa’s interpretation of events and contributions. Can you imagine the 2023 election missing that huge voice?? How sad.

Tsitsi Dangarembgwa (Filmmaker, Author): I am devastated to hear that Alex Magaisa, who opened my and other minds with his Big Saturday Read, who always gently pointed out progressive ways of seeing things has died. What a loss. He will be sorely missed. Go well champion of the nation. Condolences to the Magaisa family.

Tendai Biti (CCC deputy president): We are devastated. We have no words. We are numb. We are in shock.

Jameson Timba: The death of Alex Magaisa has robbed Zimbabwe of an illustrious son, intellectual and committed democratic patriot. Worked closely with Alex in the office of the Prime Minister. A pleasure to work with. You will be greatly missed Musaigwa.#RestInPeaceAlex

Caesar Zvayi (Former Herald editor): Is what I am hearing about @Wamagaisa true?  … we differed politically but always humanely engaged in other interests. A true gentleman. Only early this morning, I tagged him for his views on the Kambosos- Haney fight in Melbourne. MHDSRIEP.

Obey Shava (Human Rights lawyer): Someone please wake me up. The oasis of knowledge, the fountain of wisdom and the national treasure has been promoted to glory. Heaven has gained and we have lost. 

Obert Mpofu (ZANU PF Secretary for Administration): Such a humble intellectual! May His Soul Rest In Peace.

Dr Takavafira M. Zhou ( President of PTUZ): My condolences to the Magaisa family, intellectuals and social democrats in Zimbabwe. Indeed the sad thing is bad people are taking too long to die and too many good people are dying relatively young.

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