Chronicle Editor
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
The Zanu-PF leadership in Matabeleland South province have submitted an application for the conferment of national hero status on their late provincial chairman Cde Rabelani Choeni (71) who succumbed to Covid-19 related complications on Friday
Cde Choeni died at his rural home in the Malusingani area in Beitbridge West constituency.
Zanu-PF’s Matabeleland South provincial political commissar Cde Japhet Dube last night said they had since sent all the necessary documentation to Zanu-PF Head Office.
“His passing on is a huge blow to the party and the people of Matabeleland South. We have since sent our request to the national party leadership for him to be conferred with the national hero status. Our hope is that we will get feedback tomorrow (today),” he said.
Family spokesperson, Mrs Mbongeleni Muleya said although they were waiting for the Zanu-PF leadership’s response, Cde Choeni will be buried tomorrow in the Malusingani area.
“We are waiting to hear from the Zanu-PF leadership on issues concerning his hero status. However, we have set Tuesday as the tentative day for his burial in the Malusingani area,” she said.
Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association Matabeleland South chairman Cde Section Ncube on Saturday said the province will be poorer without Cde Choeni who was also the war veterans organisation’s provincial secretary for health.
“Matabeleland South has been robbed, it’s a painful experience that Covid-19 is wreaking havoc. I was with him in 1975 at Morogoro in Tanzania and we trained together. We are hoping that our senior leadership will look into his case and the work he did for the nation and accord him befitting hero status. We will also make recommendations in that regard,” said Cde Ncube.
Cde Choeni joined the liberation struggle under Zipra in 1974 when he crossed to Zambia through Botswana.
He then travelled to Morogoro, Tanzania where he received military training.
In 1976, he operated at GCB Gokwe region which was later known as the Northern front.
During the same year, he was promoted to Zone Medical man and later the Zone Commander.
In 1978, he was elevated to the position of Deputy Regional Medical Man, a rank he held until the cease-fire period. He is survived by his wife Lydia, one child and five grandchildren.
Meanwhile, two more senior citizens died in Beitbridge yesterday.
Mr Ndidzulafhi John Netsianda (79) and Daniel Mabonga (58) also succumbed to Covid-19 related compilations.
Mr Netsianda was a businessman and was into selling motor spares and accessories while Mr Mabonga is the former head of the ZRP Border control unit and had a number of businesses in Beitbridge and Shurugwi. — @tupeyo
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