(Adds president statement, details)

By Charles Mangwiro

MAPUTO, Nov 19 (Reuters) - The eldest son of former Mozambique President Joaquim Chissano has died while under investigation for possible involvement in the 2000 murder of a journalist, authorities in the African nation said on Monday.

Nyimpine Chissano, 37, was found dead on Monday of a suspected heart attack in his home in the capital Maputo, state-owned media reported.

"The Mozambican family was this morning taken by surprise over the sudden death of Nyimpine Chissano, still young with lots to give to his country," Mozambican President Armando Guebuza said in a statement.

Chissano's father, who ruled Mozambique from 1986 to 2005, was travelling in Europe with his wife when his son's death was announced. The former Mozambican leader is returning to the country immediately to prepare for his son's funeral.

Mozambican authorities have been investigating Chissano's son, a businessman in Maputo, since his name surfaced in connection with the gangland shooting of Carlos Cardoso, who was the African nation's best-known investigative journalist.

Cardoso was slain while probing a $14 million embezzlement from the Commercial Bank of Mozambique. The journalist said he had uncovered a web of organised crime and political corruption tied to the scandal.

Two people tried in 2003 for the murder accused Chissano's son of ordering Cardoso's assassination. He denied involvement.

Six people were convicted of the murder and sentenced to prison terms ranging from 23 to 28 years. (Reporting by Charles Mangwiro; Editing by Paul Simao and Giles Elgood)

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