Choeni succumbs to Covid-19

Bulawayo Bureau

ZANU PF Matabeleland South provincial chairperson Cde Rabelani Choeni has died.

He was 71.

Cde Choeni died at his rural home in Malusungani, Beitbridge on Friday due to Covid-19 related complications.

Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association Matabeleland South chairman Cde Section Ncube said the province will be poorer without Cde Choeni who was also the ZNLWVA provincial secretary for health.

“Matabeleland South has been robbed, it’s a painful experience that Covid-19 is wreaking havoc. I was with him in 1975 at Morogoro in Tanzania and we trained together. We are hoping that our senior leadership will look into his case and the work he did for the nation and accord him a befitting hero status. We will also make recommendations in that regard,” said Cde Ncube.

Cde Choeni joined the liberation struggle under Zipra in 1974 when he crossed to Zambia through Botswana.

He then travelled to Morogoro, Tanzania where he received military training and was appointed a medical man.

In 1976, he operated at GCB Gokwe region which was later known as the Northern front. During the same year, he was promoted to Zone Medical man and later the Zone Commander. In 1978, he was elevated to the position of Deputy Regional Medical Man, a rank he held until the cease fire period. He is survived by wife Lydia, one child and five grandchildren.