Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA has conferred national hero status on the late Zimbabwe Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees Association national chairperson, Cde Victor Panganai Kuretu, in recognition of his immense contribution to the country’s liberation and development.
Cde Kuretu, a veteran nationalist and community leader, died on August 7, 2025 at St Anne’s Hospital in Harare after a short illness.
He was 83.
The announcement was made today by Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province Senator Charles Tavengwa at the Kuretu family home in Mufakose.
“President Mnangagwa, who is the First Secretary of the Party, has conferred national hero status to Cde Kuretu,” he said.
“He will be interred at the National Heroes Acre at a date to be advised. The President considered the role played by Cde Kuretu during and after the liberation struggle and has seen it fit to accord him this highest honour.”
Born on March 3, 1942, his political activism saw him repeatedly targeted by the Rhodesian regime.
He was first arrested in 1962, detained again in 1965 and sent to Gonakudzingwa Restriction Camp the following year, where he remained until his release in 1970.
Undeterred, he continued working in the liberation movement until the attainment of independence in 1980.
