A third cabinet minister, Nkosana Moyo, resigned a few weeks ago. Mr Mahachi was regarded by many as one of President Mugabe's most trusted and loyal officials. Despite a severe economic crisis and opposition to a deeply unpopular war, Zimbabwe has deployed over 11,000 troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo to help the government of Joseph Kabila fight rebels backed by Rwanda and Uganda. Mr Mahachi's death will come as a blow to the government of President Robert Mugabe who is under increasing pressure both at home and abroad. On Friday, US Secretary of State Colin Powell, in an Africa policy speech in Johannesburg criticised him for clinging to power and called for free and fair elections.
Presidential elections are due to be held in Zimbabwe early next year.