Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu
ALL is set for the burial of national hero Brigadier-General (Retired) Mpandasekwa Mzheri at the National Heroes Acre today. President Mnangagwa will preside over the burial.
Brig-Gen Mzheri, whose Chimurenga name was Khetani Khanye, died on Tuesday at a medical facility in Harare following a long illness. He was 75.
Yesterday, a church service was held for Brig-Gen Mzheri at his Helensvale family home in Harare before it was taken to Charles Gumbo Barracks, where it lay in state ahead of burial today.
All logistics, including transport, are now in place with people expected to be seated by 7.30am at the National Heroes Acre.
Family spokesperson, Mrs Connie Chikore, thanked President Mnangagwa and Zanu-PF for awarding Brig-Gen Mzheri a national hero’s status.
“As a clan and as the people of Mberengwa, we are humbled by this honour. He was everyone’s child in our community, and we are proud that he has been declared a national hero. We are truly grateful to our President,” she said.
Mrs Chikore also described Brig-Gen Mzheri as a generous and upright man who was ready to serve his country and community.
“He was a soft and gentle soul. Each one of us benefitted from his kindness. After returning from the liberation struggle and joining the National Army, he took charge and began caring for the entire family.”
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe Reverand, Dr Elitha Moyo described the national hero as a man who actively participated and contributed to the growth of the church.
“Brig-Gen Mzheri and his late wife were devoted members of the church and actively participated in numerous programmes. He (Brig-Gen Mzheri) was also instrumental in the opening of many church branches across the country.
“We have lost a devoted member who was passionate about the growth and development of the church.”
Brig-Gen Mzheri was born on March 7, 1950, in Mberengwa District, Midlands Province. He played a pivotal role in the liberation struggle and later participated in the 1979 Lancaster House peace talks as a military adviser. Following independence, he was among the first 18 ex-combatants to be attested into the Zimbabwe National Army on April 16, 1981, with the rank of Colonel, and went on to become the first Commandant at Inkomo Garrison.
Throughout his decorated military career, he held several key positions, including Commander 3 Infantry Brigade, Commander Special Task Force Mozambique, and Director-General Defence Policy, Public Relations and Protocol, before retiring on July 31, 1999.
He was a decorated soldier who received several medals in recognition of his outstanding service to the nation. Among these were the Liberation Medal, Independence Medal, Ten Years’ Service Medal, Long and Exemplary Service Medal, and the Mozambique Merit Award.
