Freelance photographer Rodgers Moffat dies

Renowned freelance photographer Rodgers Moffat who was also ex-husband to late gospel songstress, Grace Chinga has died this morning in Lilongwe.

According to his step-son musician Steve Spesho, Moffat died after a long illness and described his demise as a great loss to him and his family.

Steve wrote on his Facebook page: “Sad news Bambo athu a Rodgers Moffat atisiya. He was a good father. May his soul rest in peace.”

Confirming the sad development later in an interview with Nation Online, he said he has learnt with great shock about the death of his father.

“He died around 3am. He had been sick for close to two months. We are told he was rushed to a private hospital and currently his remains are being kept at Kamuzu Central Hospital mortuary in Lilongwe,” he said.

Steve said his father relocated to Lilongwe last year in search of business opportunities.
He added that burial arrangements will be communicated later but it is likely that he will be buried in his home village in Mvera, Dowa District.

Lucky Mkandawire, president of Photographers Association of Malawi (Photama) speaking in an interview said he was saddened by his death.

“I know currently he was not a full-time member but I remember we once awarded him for his great works. He will be missed by the entire Photama family,” he said.

MBC’s radio personality Raymond Sekeni described Moffat’s death as a great loss, saying: ” He was a humble hardworking man, always cheerful and always longed for perfection on his work.”

Sekeni said late Moffat was the one who used to bring to MBC the late Grace’s music for promotion back in the days.

Also paying tribute, musician Lloyd Phiri commented on Steve Spesho’s Facebook post:” I am truly sorry for the loss. I would like to offer you and your family my deepest and most sincere condolences and may the soul of your caring father rest in peace. Jesus Christ is Lord.”

Journalist Maurice Nkawihe also commented: “This is sad. He was good man, friendly and humble. May his soul rest in peace.”

Moffat was married to late Chinga for 10 years before a Blantyre Magistrate Court dissolved the marriage in 2007 following matrimonial differences.

The two had two children Miracle and Israel. And from the second wife he is survived by four children.

He was born on July 24 1965.