Chief Zvimba apologises

Joseph Madzimure Senior Reporter
CHIEF Zvimba has apologised to President Mnangagwa for inconsistencies in the burial arrangements of the country’s late founding father and former President Robert Mugabe who was laid to rest at his rural home in Zvimba on Saturday.

In an interview, Chief Zvimba’s spokesperson Gibson Jenami said the arrangement came as a shock to them since it was made by the family.

“Since the death of the late former President Mugabe chiefs were at the forefront of working with the bereaved family and the Government on burial arrangements,” he said.

“It were traditional leaders and the family who requested Government to prepare the place where he was supposed to be buried. After we had agreed, we went to the National Shrine to identify the burial place, together with Chatunga and Tino. Everyone was satisfied with the burial place.

“Let me make it clear that President Mnangagwa never forced anyone to bury the former President’s body at the National Heroes Acre. He urged them to find a place of their choice to bury him. Zvimba chiefs, Chatunga and Tino Mugabe were at the forefront and settled for the hilltop at the national shrine.

He added: “The problem emanated last Friday when we learnt that Mrs Mugabe wanted the remains of her late husband to be interred at their Blue Roof residence, but the idea was shot down.

“I want President Mnangagwa to know that in any family there are disputes and he must find it in his heart to forgive them.

“We are ashamed and we are deeply sorry for the loss that the Government incurred. Sorry for the inconveniences caused by the family. There were rumours that President Mnangagwa even bribed Zvimba chiefs, but nothing of that sort ever happened. I am pleading with the President to continue being the good man he has always been.”