Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has died in hospital a few minutes ago, a close family member has confirmed to Report Focus News . The iconic former trade union leader had been battling cancer of the colon for the past two years and was admitted at a hospital in South Africa.

Writing on Twitter, Elias Mudzuri one of three Vice Presidents in the MDC said;

“As you are aware that our MDC T President, Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai has not been feeling well for some time, it is sad for me to announce that we have lost our icon and fighter for democracy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, the party and the nation at this hour.”

Mr Tsvangirai, 65, a former prime minister, had reportedly been suffering from colon cancer.

“He died this evening. The family communicated this to me,” MDC vice president Elias Mudzuri told Reuters.

Mr Tsvangirai’s career was marked by a long political struggle against former President Robert Mugabe.

He had been beaten and imprisoned numerous times.

Mr Tsvangirai’s illness was said to have divided the MDC (Movement for Democratic Change), with some party officials reportedly jockeying to succeed the former trade union activist.