National hero Cde Chirinda buried

Wallace Ruzvidzo

President Mnangagwa today presided over the burial of national hero Cde Jasion Chirinda.

Cde Chirinda died aged 82 on October 27 owing to diabetes-related complications.

In his address at the National Heroes Acre, President Mnangagwa said he had fond memories of Cde Chirinda as they served time in the same prison during the liberation struggle.

“His quest to see a free and independent Zimbabwe resulted in his arrest by the Rhodesian Forces, he was sentenced to death. The penalty was later commuted to life in prison,” the President said.

“I served time with him in prison, with both of us waiting to be executed for carrying out guerrilla attacks in the country.

“In prison, the late national hero, Cde Chirinda and I served with other cadres that included Comrades Victor Mlambo, Lloyd Gunda, William Ndangana, Herbert Samba, Dzangasi Dube and Benjamin Mahaka, among others.

“In the late national hero, we have lost a loyal, persistent, consistent, brave and disciplined veteran freedom fighter who sacrificed his youth for the liberation of our motherland, Zimbabwe.”

President Mnangagwa conveyed his deepest condolences to the Chirinda family.

“On behalf of the nation, the Government of Zimbabwe, our revolutionary mass party, Zanu PF, my family and indeed on my own behalf, I once again express my deep and heartfelt condolences to the Chirinda family over this loss.

“Our prayers and sympathies are with you during this trying and difficult period,” said the President.

At the time of his death, Cde Chirinda was a farmer in Mashonaland Central Province.