By Lovemore Dube
HEATH Streak is alive.
Karen Streak, the mother of the former Zimbabwe international cricket all-rounder, told Zimpapers Sports Wednesday morning that news of his death is fake.
Sports and Recreation Commission chairman Gerald Mlotshwa has also issued a statement, with permission from the family, allaying reports of Streak’s death.
The international cricket community has, since Tuesday evening, been paying tribute to Streak since the unfortunate announcement that the former star cricketer had died of cancer.
One of those to break the news Tuesday evening is former Zimbabwe teammate Henry Olonga, who later returned to social media to announce that Streak was alive and even included a Whatsapp chat they had.
Karen revealed the Streak family has been inundated with calls Wednesday morning.
“Heath is not well, but he is fine. He is here at the farm walking about and cracking jokes.
“As a family we are disturbed by the news and the phone has not stopped ringing, considering who Heath is. I am picking up the phones so that I put the record straight,” said Karen.
Heath has not been well for sometime and was diagnosed with stage four cancer and has been receiving treatment at home and in South Africa.
The family spokesperson, Joseph Rego also confirmed Wednesday morning that Heath is alive and at the farm.
“He is fine, it’s not true that he is no more. I would have been among the first ones to know and release the information.
“I was with him yesterday (Tuesday) and he was cheerful, jovial and in his usual humour,” said Rego a long-time friend and advisor of Streak.
Rego is president and board chairman of the Academy of Cricket Excellence, formerly Heath Streak Cricket Academy Trust.
In a statement, Mlotshwa said:
“We live in an age where any news, particularly on social media, prefixed with “Breaking News” is taken as fact.
“Today, this morning, the world including many of Heath’s close family, relatives and friends, and indeed, Heath himself woke up to the news of his demise.
“If in fact it may not be already clear, Heath Streak is alive. He has not passed away. The undersigned has spoken to him this morning for his permission to issue this brief statement for the sake of his family and friends.
“Today, of all days and in the coming days, let us reflect deeply on what we choose to post, whether it is verified and factual, ethical or moral to do so, who are we hurting and causing trauma to: and ultimately whether our so called “breaking news” is lawful under the laws of our country.
“Whilst the overwhelming majority of posts this morning celebrated the life and achievements of this legendary cricketer, let us nonetheless respect the privacy of Heath’s family at this point in time, as well intentioned as we might all be.”