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FORMER freedom fighter and retired Zimbabwe National Army senior officer, Retired Colonel Herald Chirenda whose pseudo name was Elliot Masendu, has died. He was 69. Rtd Col Chirenda died on Wednesday at the United Bulawayo Hospitals after a long illness.The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs for Bulawayo Cde Eunice Nomthandazo Moyo, Zanu-PF Politburo member Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube and Zapu leader Dr Dumiso Dabengwa yesterday visited Rtd Col Chirenda’s family at his Paddonhurst home to express their condolences.
Cde Moyo said she learnt with shock the death of Rtd Col Chirenda whom he described as a hero.
“We cannot emphasise that he is one of our heroes. He might be more of a hero than those who have been accorded hero status,” she said.
Cde Moyo said the province was working towards ensuring that Rtd Col Chirenda was recognised for his efforts in serving the country.
“It is our duty to see that he is recognised for his work. We want to promise you that we are working to see how we get him honoured,” she said.
Cde Moyo said despite the fact that it was a holiday she was going to make efforts to communicate with government officials to ensure that Rtd Col Chirenda gets proper burial.
“We have a small problem as the President is not in the country but I will contact Acting President Cde Joice Mujuru and Cde Didymus Mutasa to see to it that he is honoured properly,” she said.
Cde Moyo said the Government and Zanu-PF party would stand with the family until Rtd Col Chirenda was buried.
Narrating Rtd Col Chirenda history, Rtd Col Dube said he was a brave and dedicated cadre.
“We are saddened by the sudden death of Masendu, a man who dedicated his time to liberate the country. He was not one of those men who were scared to join the liberation struggle but he voluntarily joined the war,” said Rtd Col Dube.
He said Rtd Col Chirenda was part of Zipra when it was known as the special force.
Rtd Col Dube said Rtd Col Chirenda went for military training in Algeria.
“When he finished basic training he became officer cadet where he trained and completed cadet courses which made him not just a guerilla soldier but a complete military soldier,” said Rtd Dube.
He said Rtd Col Chirenda held positions such as the deputy personnel chief during the armed struggle, which can be likened to human resources.
At independence Rtd Col Chirenda joined the Zimbabwe National Army and served until he retired in 1995.
His daughter Louisa described him as loving father.
“He was a very loving father and a grandfather. He is our own hero,” she said.
Rtd Col Chirenda is survived by his wife, 10 children and 15 grand children.
Online Reporter