Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
ACTING President Dr Constantino Chiwenga is tomorrow expected to preside over the burial of national hero Brigadier-General (Retired) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava at the National Heroes Acre.
Yesterday, Brig-Gen (Rtd) Ngarava’s body was moved from Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare to Chinhoyi, where it lay in state after brief ceremonies were held at his Mabelreign home and Plot 3, Ndudza Farm in Banket.
Today, the national hero’s body will be airlifted to Mhokore Village under Chief Gororo in Chivi District to allow the Masvingo leadership and the Chivi community to pay their final respects
At 3pm today, the body will be airlifted back to Charles Gumbo Barracks, where it will lie in state ahead of tomorrow’s burial.
In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage encouraged Zimbabweans to gather and give Brig-Gen Ngarava a fitting send-off.
“The Ministry wishes to advise the nation that the late national hero, Brigadier-General (Rtd) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava, who passed on December 25, 2025, will be laid to rest on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the National Heroes Acre,” the statement said.
Brig-Gen Ngarava, whose nom de guerre was Elias Chimurenga, abandoned his secondary education in October 1976 at Berejena Mission to join the liberation struggle alongside four of his schoolmates.
He risked life and limb while crossing into Mozambique through the wildlife-infested Gonarezhou National Park.
Demonstrating remarkable discipline and dedication, he was sent to Syria for military training in 1979. Upon completion, he was deployed to Gaza Province, Sector 4, where he bravely operated until the attainment of independence in 1980.
Brig-Gen Ngarava was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army in February 1981 as a sergeant and was later selected to undertake the basic officers’ course in 1982.
He was commissioned as a lieutenant upon completing the course and undertook various military training courses over the years, which led to his elevation from lieutenant to Brig-Gen in 2023.
This was the rank he held when he retired from active service in March last year.
Over his distinguished career, he received several awards for his immense contributions during the liberation struggle and for his conduct as a selfless, dedicated, exemplary, loyal and competent soldier.
As the nation prepares to bury this hero, his legacy will undoubtedly remain a source of inspiration for future generations.
Mourners are gathered at House No. 10746 Mapako Phase 2, Chinhoyi.
