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to receive the body of Politburo member and veteran nationalist Cde Kantibhai Gordanbhai Patel.
Cde Patel died in South Africa on Saturday while receiving medical treatment.
Zanu-PF spokesman, Cde Rugare Gumbo, said a decision on Cde Patel’s hero status would be made today during a scheduled Politburo meeting.
The party’s Harare province has already recommended that he be declared a national hero.
“The decision will be announced tomorrow (today) after we meet as the Politburo. At the moment consultations are still underway,” he said.
Cde Patel died on Saturday at Linksfield Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he was receiving specialist treatment after he sustained injuries when he fell at his Ridgeview home recently. He was 83.
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Zanu-PF Politburo member, Cde Nathan Shamuyarira, led the mourners at the airport who included senior party officials mainly from the Harare province and Central Committee members.
Women and youth league members sang revolutionary songs while members of the Hindu community felt overwhelmed by the massive support. They had expected only 350 people but the number ballooned as a lot more members came in to welcome the body.
The body was taken to Doves Funeral Parlour from where it would be taken to his house today at 13.30 hours. His son Vijay said mourners should be seated by 1330 hours at House Number 31 Anson Drive to welcome the body and to conduct family prayers.
The body would be taken to Pioneer Cemetery for cremation at 14.30 pm.
“Well wishers are invited for body viewing before the casket is placed on pyer,” he said.
Cde Shamuyarira described Cde Patel as a powerful and forceful member of the party who organised women and youths to support Zanu-PF.
He said Cde Patel strongly supported President Mugabe and would donate money generously towards the party’s campaigns.
“I am glad that people came here in their numbers to welcome his body,” he said.
Zanu-PF Harare province executive member, Cde Christopher Chigumba, said Cde Patel was “a good man” who gave advice without fear or favour.
Cde Sabina Thembani echoed the sentiments. She said that at one time Cde Patel donated campaign material to all Zanu-PF aspiring members of the House of Assembly.
In his condolence message on Monday, President Mugabe described the death of Cde Patel as a great loss to Zimbabwe. Cde Patel is survived by three sons and seven grandchildren. His wife passed on in 1973.
Mourners are gathered at House number 31 Anson Drive, Ridgeview, Harare.
Online Reporter