adminAbel Zhakata Weekender Reporter
THEY came in their hundreds to bid their own farewell. From touts at the ever busy Sakubva Market to flea market operators at the nearby Swimming Pool all converged in Mutare’s oldest ghetto.
Even the ladies of the night were there elbowing each other to say goodbye to the imposing George Tsaura Gambe, a popular socialite who plied his trade at Sakubva Musika and Swimming Pool Flea Market.
Gambe breathed his last on Thursday.
Last Sunday, the ghetto usually flooded with people from all walks of life on different errands was brought to a standstill as mourners attending the funeral of the well-known flea market space baron blocked traffic, exhibiting wild behaviour that left many with mouth agape.
The burial of the late George Tsaura Gambe — brother to former Mutare City councillor and woman football administrator, Cecilia Gambe — proved to be a headache for traffic police officers who failed to regulate motorists as thousands of people besieged Mutare’s oldest cemetery, St Joseph’s to witness his burial.
People from all walks of life — the haves and the have-nots, rank marshals, touts, prostitutes and community leaders — formed the entourage that accompanied Gambe to his final resting place.
His body was brought to Sakubva Flea Market where hundreds of vendors temporarily deserted their stalls to bid farewell to their fellow member who was in the executive of the committee running the affairs at the second-hand clothes market popularly known as Mupedzanhamo or Kotamayi Boutique.
The heavily built Gambe who was popular with his red Honda Fit vehicle died last Thursday at Eland Hospital after complaining of dizziness.
Wild behaviour ruled the day as ladies of the night took time to show the appreciating crowd how they go about their business, blowing condoms all over the place, singing crazy songs. Rank marshals were not to be outmatched as they bade farewell to a person they worked with well.
The situation almost degenerated into a free-for-all at the flea market as the mourners blocked the funeral hearse from leaving the market.
Force had to be used to disperse the marauding mourners who had turned a deaf ear to numerous calls to let go the hearse.
Some climbed on top of vehicles, while some stayed put on the road, blocking traffic.
As the procession passed through Sakubva, residents came out of their houses to witness the drama unfolding before their eyes.
Those of nervous dispositions were not welcome as ladies of the night did what they know best. Some were forced to return to their homes in a huff as some in the cortège resorted to singing obscenities.
Many failed to make their way to the grave side as the numbers swelled to unimaginable levels. Passers-by thought it was a State funeral.
As the drama unfolded, those with smartphones quickly captured the moments and posted the pictures on social media.
The burial instantly became the talk of the city and beyond as people exchanged the photographs on social groups.
The deceased sister, Cecilia, said she was overwhelmed by the number of people who mourned her brother.
She said the pain they felt soon after his death was soothed by thousands of people who paid tribute to the flea market boss.
“He died on July 2 at Eland Hospital after spending two days complaining of dizziness. We were shocked by his death since he drove himself to hospital.
“Thousands of people thronged the burial and we are grateful for their support. He was a man of the people as he was well-known at the flea market.”
Online Reporter