Online Reporter
Harare Bureau
THE body of national hero, Cde Luke Mushore, who died on June 13, was yesterday taken to his farm in Centenary, Mashonaland Central province, from where it will be airlifted to Harare today ahead of burial at the National Heroes Acre tomorrow.
In Harare, the body will lie in state at the Charles Gumbo Barracks.
President Mnangagwa is expected to preside over the burial.
Cde Mushore, who was aged 76, was a former Zanu-PF provincial chairman for Mashonaland Central and a former Member of Parliament for Muzarabani South.
He was affectionately known by his Chimurenga name, Dick Joboringo.
In an interview yesterday, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said the body was to be airlifted to his Barbon Farm in Centenary.
“The body will be airlifted from Bindura to his farm in Centenary, where it will lie in State,” he said. “It will be airlifted to Harare on Sunday (today), where it will spend the night at Charles Gumbo Barracks before burial on Monday at the National Heroes Acre. The family will have an opportunity to bid farewell to him today (yesterday).”
Minister Kazembe described Cde Mushore as a humble and dedicated cadre.
“He was selfless, very loyal, patriotic. He could work with anybody,” he said.
Minister Kazembe, who is also Zanu-PF provincial chairperson for Mashonaland Central province, said he worked well with Cde Mushore when he joined the party’s provincial structures. Cde Mushore was the provincial chairperson.
“We have lost a pillar of strength in our party and our community. His commitment to the development of our province and the nation at large will always be remembered,” he said.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution responsible for Mashonaland Central province Cde Christopher Magomo described Cde Mushore as an astute farmer and loyal party cadre.
“I have been to his farm. I was impressed with what I saw; the crops at the farm. He was also a disciplined and decorated war veteran. After independence, he remained steadfast, serving the party and his country. He will dearly be missed,” said Minister Magomo.
He said Cde Mushore’s death had left a void in the hearts of many, as his loss would be felt among war veterans, party members and fellow farmers, among others.
Minister Kazembe visited the Mushore family home in Muzarabani, along with Politburo member and Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Senator Monica Mavhunga, Minister Magomo and other party cadres, last week after they heard about his demise.
Cde Mushore was among the first freedom fighters, having joined the liberation struggle in 1972. He was revered for his steadfast commitment, both during and after the war.
He played a huge role in Muzarabani as a Member of Parliament, championing development activities. He made his contribution felt as provincial chairperson of the ruling party.
Cde Mushore continued to serve the party and the country even after he had ceased to be a legislator and provincial chairperson.
derick.khumalo