Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
HUNDREDS yesterday gathered at the Mashonaland East Provincial Heroes Acre in Marondera for the burial of Lieutenant Colonel Dickson Muriro, a liberation war hero who died on July 8, 2026.
Cde Muriro died at 41 Combat Group Hospital in Masvingo following a long illness.
He was 64.
His burial was presided over by Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Itayi Ndudzo who described him as someone who was hard working and a dedicated cadre.
“On behalf of the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, the Government and the people of Mashonaland East Province, I convey our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Muriro family. We mourn with you and pray that God grants you strength and comfort during this difficult time,” Advocate Ndudzo said.
“The late Lieutenant Colonel Dickson Muriro was born on January 1, 1962 in Chimanimani District, under Headman Tsenekayi in Manicaland Province. He began his education at Honde Primary School before proceeding to Rusitu Secondary School. In May 1977, while still a young student, he made the brave decision to leave school and join the liberation struggle.
“He chose to sacrifice his own future so that Zimbabwe and future generations could live in a free and independent country. His journey to the liberation struggle took him through Chikwidzire Rusitu Base in Mozambique to Chibawawa Camp, before proceeding to Libya in 1979, where he received his basic military training. After Independence, he reported to the Chitungwiza Assembly Point together with other reserve forces. In 1984, he joined the Zimbabwe National Army as a Private Soldier.
“Through hard work, discipline and dedication, he steadily rose through the ranks until he attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Throughout his military career, he successfully completed all the training and professional courses required at every stage of his service. His commitment to learning and serving his country made him a respected officer and leader.”
Advocate Ndudzo added that Lieutenant Colonel Muriro dedicated his life to defending Zimbabwe and promoting peace beyond Zimbabwe’s borders, earning himself various honours.
“His outstanding service earned him several honours, including the Liberation Medal, Independence Medal, Mozambique Campaign Medal, Democratic Republic of Congo Campaign Medal, 10 Years Service Medal, Long and Exemplary Service Medal, and the Zimbabwe Order of Merit. These awards reflect his courage, loyalty and selfless service to the nation,” he said.
“As we honour his life today, let us also learn from the values he lived by. To our young people, Lieutenant Colonel Muriro’s life teaches us that true success comes through discipline, sacrifice, hard work and love for one’s country.
“I therefore urge all our youths to refrain from drug and substance abuse. Drugs destroy lives, families and communities. They rob young people of their dreams and their ability to contribute to national development. Instead, let us embrace education, honest work and patriotism, just as our liberation heroes dedicated themselves to building a better Zimbabwe.”
Mr Alex Muriro, who is a young brother to the late liberation war hero said they have lost a father figure.
“He valued family unity all the time. He was a father figure who always put his family first,” he said.
“For us to be where we are today is because of him. He worked hard to see us axcelling academically. We are pained as a family.”
He went on to thank Government for the bestowing on his brother the liberation war hero status.
Lieutenant Colonel Muriro is survived by his wife, Mrs Verna Muriro and three children.
