Chronicle Editor
Freedom Mupanedemo, Midlands Bureau
Zanu-PF Central Committee Member and Member of Parliament for Gokwe-Kabuyuni Constituency, Cde Leornard Chikomba died horrific car accident along the Gokwe-Chitekete Highway on Saturday evening.
He was 67.
Cde Chikomba, popularly known as “Bhudhi” was travelling alone coming from a Zanu-PF Provincial Coordinating Comittee meeting when he was involved in an accident 20 kilometres from his Chitekekete home.
Party Provincial Chairman Senator Larry Mavima confirmed the accident.
“I can sadly confirm the passing on of Honourable Chikomba. He was involved in accident while on his way from Gweru where he was attending a party meeting,” said Sen Mavima.
Meanwhile, Gokwe North District Coordinating Committee (DDC) through its Chair, Cde Justice Wadyajena has requested for provincial hero status on the departed cadre.
A former bus driver and a dedicated party cadre who worked for the revolutionary party even during war time, the DDC said the late Cde Chikomba deserved provincial hero status.
“During the liberation struggle, as an employee of a bus company, Cde Chikomba was a key component in the “smuggling” of arms of war and equipment in support of the freedom fighters. He also provided food and shelter to comrades in the struggle and was known as a smart, dedicated and reliable ally,” read part of the DCC letter to the province.
Cde Chikomba according to his biography, is also famed for challenging the party’s structure over the dismisal of the then Vice President of Zimbabwe Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa by filling an urgent chamber application with the High Court when he was illegally dismissed from the party in 2017.
He first became a member of parliament for Gokwe North in 2005 before being elected into the central committee in 2008.
From humble beginnings, having grown up in a village, he became a bus driver and taking advantage of the the revolutionary party’s progressive black empowerment policies, Cde Chikomba managed to build his own empire with interests in agriculture, transport, retail and real estate.
He leaves behind a vast retail business at Chitekete Business Centre..
“Bhudhi was down to earth, approachable and will be sorely missed. He was an asset to the district and the entire province. His contributions to the province and the nation will never be forgotten.
“We hope the province will accede to the request of Gokwe North District and honour the late Cde with a well deserving status,” further read the letter from the Gokwe North DCC.
Online Reporter