Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure and Daniel Chigunwe
Zimpapers Reporters
President Mnangagwa is scheduled to preside over the burial of three illustrious sons of the soil — Major-General (Retired) Dr Herbert Chingono, Cde Cosmas Chiringa and war veteran Cde Elison Mupamawonde — on Monday, with mourners and guests expected to be seated by 7am at the National Heroes Acre.
This becomes the fourth time the country has buried three national heroes at the same time since independence in 1980.
The first instance was on January 26, 2021, when Lieutenant-General (Retired) Dr Sibusiso Busi Moyo, Dr Joel Biggie Matiza and Major-General (Retired) Paradzai Zimondi were buried at the National Heroes Acre.
On April 29, 2024, Cde Nash Nyasha Dzimiri, Brigadier-General Shadreck Vezha and Cde Tsitsi Grace Jadagu were buried. On January 22, 2025, the country buried Major-General (Retired) Solomon Siziba, Cde Chenhamo “Chen” Chakezha Chimutengwende and Ambassador John Shumba Mvundura.
According to the programme from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage yesterday, Major-General (Retired) Hebert Chingono’s remains will be airlifted today, Thursday, to his rural homestead in Rukweza, Nyazura, allowing his family and the people of Manicaland to bid him farewell.
On Friday, a provincial send-off ceremony will be held for the national hero, after which the remains will be returned to Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare. On Saturday, Major-General (Retired) Chingono will lie in state at the family home in Greystone Park, after which the remains will be taken to Charles Gumbo Barracks ahead of Monday’s burial.
The remains of Cde Cosmas Chiringa have since been transported from his rural home in Nyanga via Backshill Farm in Nyazura. They are currently at Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare, awaiting burial on Monday.
On Friday, Cde Mupamawonde’s remains will be transported from Bindura to Sowe Village, Muzarabani (under Chief Kaseke), for a night vigil at the homestead. On Saturday at 10am, he will be airlifted to his Samapiri Farm, Arambira in Centenary, for a provincial send-off ceremony.
His remains will lie in state at the farm before being transferred to Charles Gumbo Barracks ahead of Monday’s burial.
ZANU PF Mashonaland Central provincial chairman, Cde Kazembe Kazembe, paid tribute to the departed hero, highlighting his immense contribution to both the province and the nation. Cde Kazembe, who is also the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, said Mashonaland Central Province is mourning the loss of a distinguished son of the soil, described as a unifier, advisor and dedicated farmer.
“As a province, we have lost one of the gallant sons of the soil. We have lost an advisor, a unifier and a farmer. May his soul rest in peace,” said Cde Kazembe.
He thanked President Mnangagwa for bestowing national hero status, saying the recognition reflects the late stalwart’s unwavering commitment to the country.
Cde Kazembe urged people from across the province, particularly Muzarabani, to attend proceedings at the National Heroes Acre in Harare in large numbers to pay their last respects.
