Online Reporter
George Maponga in MWENEZI
SCORES of mourners today thronged the Hungwe Farm in Rutenga, Mwenezi, to bid farewell to national hero Brigadier-General (Retired) Jonathan Hungwe, who died on Friday last week.
Brig-Gen (Rtd) Hungwe collapsed and died at his farm and was declared a national hero in honour of the role he played for Zimbabwe to gain independence and his outstanding contribution to the development of post-independent Zimbabwe.
He was 68.
Brig-Gen Hungwe (Retd)’s body has since been flown back to Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare, where it will lie in state ahead of burial at the National Heroes Acre tomorrow.
The body that was in a casket draped with the national flag was flown to Harare in an Air Force of Zimbabwe helicopter.
At Hungwe farm, various speakers lauded the late senior military officer as a humble and God-fearing man who was down to earth despite his lofty position in the military.
Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Ezra Chadzamira, who was represented by the Director for Coordination in his Office, Ms Rosemary Chingwe, said the province had been left poorer after the demise of Brig Gen (Retd) Hungwe.
He described the national hero as a dedicated cadre who remained loyal to his motherland after independence, as evidenced by the various tasks he executed with diligence to promote socio-economic development in Masvingo and beyond.
Zanu PF Central Committee member Cde Luscious Matutu mourned the national hero, saying the people of Mwenezi worked well with him to develop the district.
Cde Matutu also hailed Brig Gen(Retd) Hungwe for his dedication to the ruling Zanu PF party.
His fellow church members also mourned the army general, praising him for being humble and God-fearing despite being a military commander.
As his body was flown away for the last time to its final resting place in Harare, his kinsmen and fellow villagers in Rutenga waved goodbye to a man they said they will forever remember for his humility.
