Liberation war hero Nyathi buried

He was 55.
Rtd WO1 Nyathi, whose pseudo name was Backdoor Thebe, died after sustaining head injuries when he tried to free his clothes that were hooked to a moving train.
Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association Bulawayo province representative, Mr Mazwi Gumbo described Rtd WO1 Nyathi as a true hero who sacrificed a lot for the country.

Addressing mourners during the burial service, Cde Mazwi said the country was robbed of a hero who had a great personality.
“We are gathered today to lay to rest our hero Nyathi who contributed a lot to our livelihood. This man sacrificed a lot and was an exemplary fighter,” said Cde Mazwi.
He said it was important that people continue to respect heroes like Nyathi because they were great leaders.

“This man was a leader as proven  by the numerous awards he received during his service in the army,” said Cde Mazwi.
In a separate interview, Rtd WO1 Nyathi’s brother who is also serving  in the army, Lieutenant Colonel Lizwe Nyathi said the family was struggling to come to terms with how his brother lost his life.
“My brother was on his way to his rural home when tragedy befell him. We know he is gone but it is still a mystery to us to think he died after his clothes were hooked to a moving train,” said Lt Col Nyathi.

He said the late hero was a loving father, brother, husband and friend.
The late Rtd WO1 was born on 8 February 1956 in Mahongola Area in Kezi district to a family of seven children.

He grew up in the same village and did his primary education at Mahongola and Sankonjani Primary schools.
The late hero joined the ZNA in March 1981 at Inkomo Barracks outside Harare and was attested in the ZNA as a private and subsequently accorded the rank of sergeant.
Rtd WO1 was awarded medals for being the finest and disciplined senior soldier which include Independence medal, 15 years and exemplary, Zimbabwe Liberation and finally the Silver Cross of Zimbabwe bravery medal which he received from President Mugabe.

His wife Angela, four children and four grandchildren survive him.