Moffat Mungazi
News Editor
MANICALAND has been plunged deeper into mourning following the death of another decorated war veteran and former Zanu PF provincial political commissar, Cde Robert Gumbo, yesterday (Friday) in Harare.
He was 71.
Cde Gumbo’s death comes on the heels of Cde Tinaye Chigudu’s passing, who was today declared a national hero by President Mnangagwa.
He is renowned for escorting the late trio of former President Cde Robert Mugabe, Chief Rekayi Tangwena, and Cde Edgar Tekere into Mozambique during the liberation war.
The late Cde Robert Gumbo’s son, Tawanda, confirmed his father’s passing at St Anne’s Hospital due to complications from GIST, a rare type of cancer.
Tawanda described his late father as an honest and caring person, as well as a principled cadre who prioritized unity and never wavered in his commitment to the ruling party’s values.
“He believed in the principle of unity,” he said.
Zanu PF Manicaland provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza confirmed Cde Gumbo’s death this evening.
“Another dark cloud has fallen over Manicaland following the death of an illustrious son of the soil, Cde Robert Gumbo. We have lost a decorated war veteran who served in various party portfolios, including as provincial political commissar and chairman of the war veterans association, driving the party to numerous electoral victories.
“Cde Gumbo was also a liberation fighter who, along with the late Cde RG Mugabe, Chief Rekayi Tangwena, and Edgar Tekere, crossed into Mozambique to join the liberation struggle. At the time of his death, Cde Gumbo was a provincial member in the current Manicaland provincial executive, providing invaluable guidance and experience. We have lost a real cadre and fighter; and Manicaland is poorer without him,” said Cde Mukodza.
Online Reporter