Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
THE burial of national hero Cde Victor Panganai Kuretu is scheduled for tomorrow at the National Heroes Acre, with his body lying in state at Charles Gumbo Barracks.
President Mnangagwa is expected to preside over the burial.
In a statement yesterday, the Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Ministry announced that Cde Kuretu’s body was moved to the barracks from his farm in Goromonzi.
“The body of the late National Hero, Cde Kuretu, is now back at Charles Gumbo Barracks from his farm in Goromonzi. Cde Kuretu’s body will lie in state at Charles Gumbo Barracks before being taken to the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe from 9am to 12pm,” reads the statement.
“From 2pm tomorrow (today), the body will then be taken to Rutendo Hall in Mufakose for a brief ceremony. Cde Kuretu will lie in state at his family home in Mufakose ahead of his burial on Thursday.”
Cde Kuretu was declared a national hero last week in recognition of his immense contributions to the liberation struggle and post-independence development.
He was a veteran nationalist and community leader who passed away on August 7, 2025, at St Anne’s Hospital in Harare after a short illness, at the age of 83.
Cde Kuretu is survived by his wife, Ritah, 11 children and 34 grandchildren.
He served as the ZAPU district chairperson for Mufakose and held several positions in ZANU PF following the 1987 Unity Accord, ultimately becoming a member of the National Consultative Assembly.
Additionally, he was involved with the Zimbabwe Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees Association, serving as deputy secretary for information and publicity before being elected national chairperson in 2005, a role he maintained until his passing.
Mourners from various political, social, and religious backgrounds have gathered at his Mufakose home to pay their last respects.
The Government has urged the public wishing to attend the burial to adhere to security and protocol arrangements in place at the national shrine.
