Zanzibar's first Vice President succumbs to COVID-19

Zanzibar's first Vice President Maalim Seif Hamad is dead.

Seif 77, died on Wednesday, barely a month after he reportedly tested positive for coronavirus.

Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi confirmed the unfortunate news. He said that Maalim Seif died while receiving treatment at Muhimbili Hospital.

Tanzania President John Pombe Magufuli has sent a message of condolences to the family of the deceased politician.

" I have received with profound shock the news of the death of Hon. Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, the First Vice President of Zanzibar. I send my condolences to the President of Zanzibar Hon. Dr. Mwinyi, Family, Zanzibaris, ACT-Wazalendo members and all Tanzanians. May his soul Rest in Peace,” Magufuli said in a tweet.

Maalim Seif who was also ACT Wazalendo Party Chairman had  late last month announced that he had contracted the novel coronavirus and was in the hospital with his wife and aides heading to isolation

" It's true I am in Mnazi Mmoja hospital where I am being treated for Covid-19, " he told a Tanzanian publication then.