Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
Mourners, including senior Government officials, members of the legal fraternity, church leaders, relatives and friends, yesterday gathered at Chavhunduka Village in Musana, Bindura, to pay their last respects to Mrs Chipo Reza, wife of Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission chairperson Mr Michael Reza.
Mrs Reza (63) was laid to rest at the family’s rural home. The funeral was attended by hundreds of people from different walks of life.
She died last Sunday after collapsing at her Harare home.
Among the dignitaries who attended the burial were Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, Attorney-General Mrs Virginia Mabiza, Director-General in the President’s Department Ambassador Paul Chikawa and Deputy Director-General Mr Cephas Hodzi.
Also present were Deputy Prosecutor-General Mr Nelson Mutsonziwa, ZACC commissioners, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority Commissioner-General Ms Regina Chinamasa, ZACC chief executive officer Advocate Shepherd Manhivi and other senior public officials.
Throughout the funeral service, speakers remembered Mrs Reza as a devoted Christian, a supportive wife and mother, and a woman whose kindness touched many people.
Addressing mourners, Mrs Mabiza, who described the late Mrs Reza as her daughter-in-law, paid tribute to her gentle character and deep spirituality.
“I witnessed her good works,” she said.
“I would speak to her over the phone often. She was very soft-spoken and gentle and, after speaking to her, I would also calm down because sometimes our work does not allow us to be soft.
“My daughter-in-law would always tell me that she prayed for me regularly.”
Mrs Mabiza also thanked Government officials, relatives, friends and church members for supporting the family during its time of grief.
“On behalf of Government, we always preach unity and peace. To ZACC chairperson Mr Reza, as Government, we are with you in this difficult time.
“I would like to thank all Government officials who have been coming to pay their condolences and, above all, I would like to thank friends, relatives and especially the church.
“The church gives us comfort and eases our pain. Whenever we see members of the church at a funeral, it brings us some relief, even though our hearts are still heavy,” she said.
Minister Garwe encouraged the family to find comfort in their faith.
“May the Almighty God comfort you, for He alone has the calendar for the time of our death. He said, ‘Before I formed you in your mother’s womb, I knew you.’
“We may try to console you as human beings, but God has the final power to bring true comfort,” he said.
Ambassador Chikawa said the testimonies shared during the service painted a picture of a woman of strong values and faith.
“They say, ‘Zviuya hazviwanani’ — good things rarely come together. But from what we have heard, it is clear that two good people found each other,” he said.
“I knew Mr Reza, but I did not know his wife personally. From the testimonies, it is clear that Mrs Reza was just like him. Mr Reza is a humble man, but very deep.
“We as human beings cannot console you; only the Almighty can comfort you. To Mrs Reza, whom I did not know, may you rest in peace.”
Villagers described Mrs Reza as approachable and community-oriented, saying she remained closely connected to the local church and social development activities despite her family’s high public profile.
Together with her husband, she recently donated chairs to Chindotwe Methodist Church in the Mumhurwi Circuit.
Mrs Reza was also a respected leader in the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe. At the time of her death, she worshipped at Trinity Circuit, where she served as a church steward.
She also served as Ruwadzano chairwoman and steward for the 11am service at Southerton Fellowship.
Superintendent of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe’s Trinity Circuit, Reverend Nkulumo Zhira, praised her unwavering commitment to God and service to the church.
Scores of pastors from the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe and other denominations attended the burial.
Mrs Reza is survived by her husband, Mr Reza, four children and 11 grandchildren.
