In a sad turn of events, Zimbabwe's Economic Empowerment Group (EEG) is mourning the loss of its Secretary General, Clifford Hlupeko. The news of his untimely death was confirmed by Tendai Chirau, the former Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs of Zanu-PF, and other party members. Hlupeko was also the EEG Chinhoyi District Chairperson.

According to Chirau, Hlupeko passed away after suffering a fatal heart attack at the EEG offices on Wednesday. The Zanu-PF members did not provide any details regarding the funeral and burial arrangements.

Hlupeko had risen to prominence earlier this year after holding a press conference in which he criticized Zimdancehall musician Winky D's new album Eureka. Hlupeko had also advocated for Winky D to be banned from performing in Zimbabwe.

In his press conference, Hlupeko stated that "Musicians should sing lyrics that unite and build the nation and not to be retrogressive. So this is of great concern to us as proponents of economic development. Most of the contents are meant to sow seeds of despondency and anarchy mostly to the youth population. We don't welcome that and we don't encourage it."

Hlupeko's unexpected death has left many in the Zimbabwean community in mourning. He was known for being a founding member of the EEG after being dismissed from the Affirmative Action Group (AAG), where he had previously held several positions. He was also the chairman of the Chinhoyi Residents Association.

In 2011, Hlupeko was arrested for prospecting for minerals without a license and keeping explosives.