A prominent Zimbabwean politician from Rusape, Nathaniel Mhiripiri of the country has been found dead on Tuesday at his Abeid Farm 10km along Rusape – Mutare Highway, three days after he went missing.

According to the Manica Post, the cause of his death is yet to be confirmed, but detectives who spoke at the scene said preliminary investigations were pointing to murder.

Police spokesperson Tavhiringwa Kakohwa said the case was being treating as a murder, but declined to comment on whether it was politically motivated.

His decomposing body was found near a stream a few metres from the main road which lead to his farm house. His relatives reported him missing to the police on Monday and a search was launched at his farm.

His body was found body lying under a tree in a ‘dried’ pool of blood. His body was conveyed to Rusape General Hospital for post-mortem.

The development caused a lot of outrage and tension in the area.

Mhiripiri was known to be a supporter of Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is tipped to eventually succeed 93-year-old President Robert Mugabe.

Mnangagwa is believed to vie for Mugabe’s succession with the president’s wife, Grace.

Mugabe had announced that he will contest the 2018 elections, but rumours are circulating about his failing health.

Mhiripiri was also Zanu PF Manicaland provincial secretary for Labour and Social Welfare.