By Staff Reporter
A somber atmosphere has engulfed the nation after news of the passing on of Lazarus Boora popularly known as Gringo broke out.
Gringo died at Westview Clinic in Zimre Park, he was 47
For years, Lazarus ‘Gringo’ Boora entertained multitudes of ZBC viewers through his hilarious performances on the small screen, but since October last year the veteran comedian has not been well.
According to family members who spoke to Bustop TV, Gringo was battling intestine obstruction and had a sitting discomfort, backache, hearing and talking difficulties.
His relatives confirmed his death to this publication that he succumbed to cancer that had spread fast in his body.
“Ahh Vachangobvakutisiya, maminutes mashoma apfura aya, kwanzi Cancer yanga yaspreader mumuviri zvakanyanyisa,” said his wife Netsai Meki.
She also mentioned that the Medical and Dental Private Practitioners of Zimbabwe Association (MDPPZA) offered the Gringo free health care as the family struggled to raise funds to get him treated after having had him tested at a local hospital in Waterfalls.
“Last week we took him to a local hospital in Waterfalls as the condition was worsening and we were told that he was dehydrated and indications were that he might have an infection in his intestines, but the bills were too high and we couldn’t raise funds for tests or medication”.
“We were seeing changes and had hope for recovery from what we were seeing, vanga vakudya zvavanga vasisakwanise kuita,” she added.
At the time of his death he was recovering and getting free treatment at a private facility in Zimre Park courtesy of the MDPPZA.
The association of private practitioners in Zimbabwe confirmed the news in their Twitter saying.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing on of Lazarus Boora this morning. He passed on this morning surrounded by family members. May his soul rest in peace.”
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) Director Mr Nicholas Moyo in a statement said Boora was a rare breed of comedian that will be remembered with his signature makeshift of humor and khakhi shorts.
“Boora will be remembered forever as the master of local television with his signature makeshift khaki short, black vest, barefoot and his witty humor which kept millions of Zimbabweans glued to their television sets”.
“The NACZ Management and staff would like to express their sincerest condolences to Amai Boora and the Boora family, the arts fraternity and the nation at large following the passing on of one of the country’s most recognizable television personalities. May his Soul rest in eternal peace”, Moyo said.
Boora was a father of Five, and attended Mutare Teachers College where he studied drama. To further his education in the arts, he later on enrolled at the University of Zimbabwe where he studied theatre and dance.
Gringo’s television acting career began when he appeared on a TV commercial for Castle Lager and he later on worked for the now defunct Joy TV where he appeared on some TV shows.
Gringo then rose to fame in 1997 after featuring in a drama series of the same title Gringo, Chihwerure that was screened on national television ZBC TV before he went on to feature in other spin-offs of the show like Gringo Ndiani, Gringo Mari Iripi, Gringo Troublemaker and he recently starred as Gibbo in the new ZTV series Village Secret.
