Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA has described the late liberation war hero and retired senior army officer Brigadier-General (Retd) Mark Charles Chimwaza as a selfless patriot whose service to Zimbabwe will forever be remembered.
Addressing mourners at the burial of the late national hero at the National Heroes Acre on Saturday morning, the President said the loss of Brig-Gen Chimwaza, also known by his liberation war name Comrade Paddington Chafachaora, was a blow not only to his family but to the entire nation.
“On behalf of our revolutionary party ZANU PF, Government and the people of Zimbabwe and indeed on my behalf, I express my deepest heartfelt condolences to Amai Chimwaza and family over the passing on of the late Brigadier-General (Retd) Mark Charles Chimwaza,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Your loss is shared by the whole nation. May you continue to find solace and comfort from the knowledge that our dearly departed General Officer served our motherland, Zimbabwe, with patriotism and loyalty as a veteran of the liberation struggle and distinguished career soldier.”
Brig-General (Retd) Chimwaza, President Mnangagwa said, was among the gallant sons and daughters of Zimbabwe who sacrificed for freedom, independence, peace and unity.
“Alongside others, he sacrificed towards the freedom, independence, peace and unity our country is enjoying,” he said.
“Accordingly, we lay him to rest here, at this sacred national shrine, beside luminaries, heroes and heroines of our great country.
“This is our way of expressing national gratitude for his sacrifice, unwavering consistency and persistence in service to our country.”
Brig-Gen (Retd) Chimwaza was born in 1957 in Mutare district, Manicaland province.
He did his early education at Kurauone and Banda primary schools before attending St Mary’s Magdalene Secondary School in Nyanga between 1972 and 1976.
“As the brutality of the racist Smith regime escalated, our protracted armed struggle equally gathered momentum and the quest for liberation saturated across all grassroots communities,” President Mnangagwa said.
Upon crossing into Mozambique, Brig-Gen (Retd) Chimwaza stayed at Doroi Camp before proceeding to Chimoio for military training at Takawira Two in 1977.
It was during this period that the Chimoio camp was attacked by Rhodesian forces, a tragic episode that failed to weaken the resolve of the freedom fighters.
“That tragic and brutal bombing never deterred or derailed our liberation fighters,” said President Mnangagwa.
“The sad chapter of the Chimoio Attack remains an inspiring landmark of our unyielding courage, resilience and fortitude.”
President Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans, particularly the youth, to visit liberation war shrines to appreciate the sacrifices made by the country’s heroes and heroines.
“This will provide insights into what the young people of yesteryear endured to bring about the freedom, sovereignty and independence which we must never take for granted,” he said.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
