Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
THE Midlands Province has bid farewell to two former freedom fighters, Cdes Abias Pelile (69) and Solomon Nhondova (71), in a solemn double burial ceremony held at the Gweru Provincial Heroes Acre.
The two comrades tragically lost their lives in a road traffic accident near Kaguvi Training Centre on Friday, July 25, 2025.
The collision involved a Govasberg bus en route to Kwekwe and a small lorry heading to Gweru, in which the two heroes were travelling.
With their burial, the number of war veterans laid to rest at the Gweru Provincial Heroes Acre has now reached 268.
Their passing came just hours after the burial of Cde Shepherd Mundenguma, who had recently been conferred with liberation war hero status and was interred at Destiny Memorial Park on Saturday.
Addressing mourners — including family members, government officials, Zanu-PF members, and Gweru Mayor Councillor Martin Chivhoko —the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, described the loss as a blow to the province, which had lost two devoted freedom fighters, who remained committed to national development.
“On behalf of the Government and the entire Midlands Province, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Pelile and Nhondova families on the untimely and tragic loss of their beloved mentors and freedom fighters, who gave their lives for the liberation of our nation,” he said.
Minister Ncube expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa, himself a decorated freedom fighter, for conferring the esteemed status of liberation war hero upon the departed comrades.
He said the honour reflected their loyalty, patriotism and selfless sacrifice in freeing Zimbabwe from colonial rule, as well as their enduring support for the values of the liberation struggle, national unity, peace and development.
The late Cde Pelile was known for his unwavering commitment to government and party programmes, reportedly never missing meetings or events. Born on August 2, 1956 in Pelile Village under Chief Mudavanhu in Mberengwa District, he attended Zverenje Primary and Mwenezi Secondary School until 1976, when he left due to the discriminatory colonial education system.
In 1977, Cde Pelile joined the liberation struggle under Zanla, travelling to Maputo and continuing to Shai-Shai en route to Chimoio, where he survived the brutal Chimoio attack by Rhodesian forces.
His Chimurenga name was Cde Zvombo Zvehondo. He later joined the Zimbabwe National Army in 1981, rising to Warrant Officer Class Two before retiring in 2006.
His distinguished service earned him several honours, including the Liberation War Medal, Independence Medal, DRC Campaign Medal, Ten Years’ Service Medal and Fifteen Years’ Service Medal.
Cde Nhondova was born on July 15, 1954 in Zaka District under Chief Bota in Dabwa Village, Masvingo Province.
He completed his primary education at Dabwa and Gwindi Primary Schools before crossing into Mozambique to join the armed struggle under Zanla. He trained at Chimoio Takawira 2 Base and was deployed in Buhera as Section Commander under Cde Tapison Mombe’s detachment.
His Chimurenga name was Cde Garikai muZanu. During the ceasefire, he was stationed at Dzapasi Assembly Point.
He joined the Zimbabwe National Army in 1981 as a Sergeant in 5:3 Brigade and undertook several military courses, later being promoted to Staff Sergeant in 1986.
His service was recognised with the Liberation Medal, Independence Medal, Mozambique Campaign Medal, UN Somalia Medal, Ten Years’ Service Medal, and the Long and Exemplary Service Medal.
“Cde Pelile and Cde Nhondova, today the Midlands Province salutes you. We draw inspiration from your commitment, selflessness and sacrifice in shaping our destiny,” said Minister Ncube.
“Our comrades fought for the political and later economic empowerment of the black majority during both the Second and Third Chimurenga, symbolically turning bayonets into ploughshares after Independence.”
Under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, Minister Ncube added, the Second Republic is committed to safeguarding and advancing the sustainable empowerment of Zimbabweans through inclusive policies, while defending national sovereignty and independence.
“To all veterans of the liberation struggle and to surviving spouses and children, I assure you that, as provided under Statutory Instrument 53 of 2014 and as directed by President Mnangagwa, no one will be allowed to deprive you of your allocated land.
Never!” Minister Ncube declared.
Cde Pelile is survived by his wife, two children and six grandchildren. Cde Nhondova, who was married to the late Julia Ndlovu, is survived by four children.
