Be patient, minister tells ex-detainees

Sunday Mail Reporter
LIBERATION war detainees, collaborators and restrictees should be patient while Government seeks funds to complete its vetting exercise before extending assistance to bona fide beneficiaries.
Welfare Services for War Veterans, War Collaborators, Political Detainees and Restrictees Minister, Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa, said his ministry — which failed to meet the December 2015 deadline to complete the vetting exercise because of a shortage of finances — was working around the clock to complete the programme.
“I would want to assure all the political detainees, war collaborators and restrictees that are here present that we are working around the clock to make sure that the vetting exercise is complete. Our major challenge is the shortage of funds. I urge you to be patient with us,” Ambassador Mutsvangwa said.
Minister Mutsvangwa was speaking at the burial of liberation war hero Cde Francis Chitepo Chiwenga in Wedza yesterday.
The late Cde Chiwenga (72) was uncle to Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Constantine Chiwenga.
He died at Parirenyatwa Hospital on Thursday after battling diabetes.
The liberation war hero leaves behind a wife, four children, 16 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Gen Chiwenga described his uncle, who was also acting Chief Chigodora, as a father figure. He was detained for long periods during the Second Chimurenga because of his political activities.
At the burial were senior Government officials, among them Defence Minister Dr Sydney Sekeramayi, Mashonaland East Resident Minister Joel Biggie Matiza abnd service chiefs; and senior Zanu-PF officials.