Online Reporter
The body of the late National Hero, Cde Victor Kuretu, has arrived at the Methodist Church in Mufakose, Zimbabwe, for a solemn church service.
As the nation prepares to honour his legacy, Cde Kuretu will be buried tomorrow at the National Shrine, with President Mnangagwa expected to preside over the ceremony.
Family, friends, and dignitaries have gathered to pay their respects, including his wife, Rita, and their nine children, along with thirty-four grandchildren. Senior government officials and Zanu PF representatives are in attendance, highlighting the profound impact Cde Kuretu had on the nation.
Notable figures such as Zanu PF Women’s League Secretary for External Affairs, Cde Betty Kaseke, and Zanu PF Council of Elders member, Cde Idah Mashonganyika, are also present.
Following the church service, Cde Kuretu’s body will be carried to Mufakose Community Hall, where loved ones will gather for a final farewell.
Stay tuned as our reporter, Joseph Madzimure, and photographer, Edward Zvemisha, give you live updates this heartfelt tribute unfolds.
A veteran nationalist and community leader
Cde Victor Kuretu was declared a national hero last week in recognition of his immense contributions to the liberation struggle and post-independence development.
A veteran nationalist and community leader, he passed away on August 7, 2025, at St. Anne’s Hospital in Harare after a short illness, at the age of 83.
Cde Kuretu is survived by his wife, Ritah, eleven children, and thirty-four grandchildren. He served as the ZAPU district chairperson for Mufakose and held several significant positions in Zanu PF following the 1987 Unity Accord, ultimately becoming a member of the National Consultative Assembly.
In addition to his political roles, he was actively involved with the Zimbabwe Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees, and Restrictees Association, where he initially served as deputy secretary for information and publicity before being elected national chairperson in 2005, a position he held until his passing.
His legacy as a dedicated leader and advocate for justice will be remembered by all who knew him.
“Cde Kuretu a brave fighter”
Zanu PF Council of Elders member, Cde Idah Mashonganyika, who worked closely with the late National Hero Cde Kuretu during and after the liberation struggle, has described him as a brave fighter who sacrificed his life to fight the colonial regime.
“We have lost one of our own, a brave fighter,” she said.
Zanu PF Women’s League Secretary for External Affairs, Cde Betty Kaseke, urged young people to be patriotic and shun drug and substance abuse in order to defend the country.
She called on Zimbabweans to emulate Cde Kuretu’s contributions to the nation’s liberation.
“Zimbabweans should be bold enough to defend what is right for them to defend the legacy left by the late National Hero Cde Kuretu,” she said.
Cde Kuretu’s body arrives at Mufakose Community Hall
Thousands of people have gathered at Mufakose Community Hall to bid farewell to national hero Cde Kuretu.
Members of the Zanu PF Politburo have arrived at Mufakose Community Hall to pay their respects.
Among the Politburo members present are the Secretary for Education and Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province, Cde Charles Tavengwa; Secretary for War Veterans, Cde Mahiya; Deputy Secretary for Security, Cde Tendai Chirau; and Zanu PF Harare Provincial Political Commissar, Cde Voyage Dambuza.
Youths urged to shun drugs and emulate national heroes
In his address at Mufakose Community Hall, Zanu PF Deputy Secretary for Security, Cde Tendai Chirau, urged the youth not to engage in vices that destroy their moral values.
“Youth must stop and shun taking drugs and substance abuse,” he said.
“We should emulate the good works of the national hero, Cde Kuretu, to keep the legacy of those who sacrificed their lives to liberate this country.”
He urged parents to be vigilant about their children’s activities.
“It is the duty of every Zimbabwean, including parents, to monitor and report drug peddlers to law enforcement agencies.”
Cde Chirau then introduced the guest of honour, Minister Tavengwa, who proceeded to deliver his keynote address.
Minister Tavengwa urges Mufakose residents to honour Cde Kuretu’s legacy
Minister Tavengwa has implored Mufakose residents to uphold the legacy of the national hero, Cde Kuretu, by voting for Zanu PF.
He recounted the journey undertaken by Cde Kuretu during and after the liberation struggle, emphasising that it is through hard work and sacrifice that one is declared a national hero.
“We worked tirelessly, alongside the national hero, to ensure that Zimbabwe achieves Vision 2030,” he said.
“He was a committed cadre, a son of the soil, a husband, and a father.”
Minister Tavengwa noted that Cde Kuretu was granted national hero status by President Mnangagwa because of his unwavering dedication and commitment to both the party and the country.
He concluded his address by challenging the Mufakose community to come out in their numbers to bid farewell to their gallant son at the National Shrine.
The body of Cde Kuretu will lie in state at his house in Mufakose before burial tomorrow.
