Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
NATIONAL hero, Brigadier-General (Retired) Mark Charles Chimwaza, will be laid to rest today at the National Heroes Acre, with President Mnangagwa presiding over the burial.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage wishes to advise the nation that the late National Hero Brigadier-General (Rtd) Mark Charles Chimwaza, who passed away on December 13, 2025, will be laid to rest on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the National Heroes Acre,” reads the statement.
The body of the national hero was taken back to Charles Gumbo Barracks from his homestead in Kuwadzana 7, where it lay in state ahead of today’s burial.
Brig-Gen (Rtd) Chimwaza, a veteran freedom fighter and community leader, succumbed to lung cancer on December 13.
He was 68.
The national hero has been hailed as an icon and exemplary military officer who served his country with loyalty and dedication.
Throughout his distinguished career, he remained steadfast in the face of neo-colonial challenges posed by the nation’s detractors.
Brig-Gen Chimwaza, who was born on October 4, 1957, in Mutare District, Manicaland Province, under Chief Marange and Headman Kurauone, left school and crossed the border into Mozambique to join the liberation struggle as a ZANLA cadre in 1976.
He stayed at Doroi Camp before proceeding to Chimoio for his initial military traIning at Takawira Two in 1977. Whilst undertaking military training, Chimoio Camp was attacked, and as a result, he was unable to complete his training.
He returned to Doroi Camp and later went to Tembwe ZANLA military training base to complete his military training in 1978.
Towards the end of 1979, the late General Officer was selected to go for cadet military training in Romania, where he specialised in Field Artillery until 1982.
The General Officer was a highly decorated soldier whose service to the nation spanned decades of sacrifice, leadership and commitment.
Brig-Gen Chimwaza retired from active service on April 10, 2022. He left a legacy of excellence in the ZNA and the defence forces at large.
Brig-Chimwaza is survived by his wife, Viola and three daughters.
Mourners have been advised that gates at the National Heroes Acre will open at 6am, with the public expected to be seated by 7am.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage invited members of the public to attend the burial ceremony in their numbers to accord the late Brig-Gen (Rtd) Chimwaza a befitting farewell, describing him as an illustrious son of the soil and a dedicated patriot who served the nation with distinction.
