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FORMER Makoni Rural District Council chairman, Cde Casper Pamhidzayi Maruni, who died last week and declared a provincial hero was laid to rest on Sunday at his homestead in Mutungagore.
His funeral was attended by hundreds of mourners who include politicians, service chiefs, relatives and friends.
Alderman Maruni (76) who served as a councillor from 1981 up to 2002 of which from 1992 to 2002 he was the chairman of the local authority was a war collaborator who was detained and tortured several times at Nyazura Police Station for supporting the liberation war.
Mourners and former workmates described Cde Maruni as a pro-development politician who initiated developmental projects in Makoni South in particular and the district in general soon after independence as evidenced by the number of schools, clinics, roads, bridges, dip-tanks and shopping centres which were established under his leadership.
Speaking on the sidelines of Cde Maruni’s burial, Zanu-PF senator for Manicaland, Cde Shadreck Chipanga, who worked closely with the late alderman described him as Mr Developer and said the party had lost a dedicated cadre who was straight-forward in his dealings.
He said Cde Maruni always put the interest of people before his.
“The party has lost a very dedicated cadre who was very passionate about development of this district. I worked with him closely and very well when I was the local legislator for this area. I learnt a lot from him. He was my chief advisor when it came to developmental projects because that was the language he understood very well. We called him Mr Developer.
“At independence there were no schools, clinics, roads, dip-tanks in this area, but when he became the local councillor and later council chairman there was significant change which we all emulate up to now. It will be very difficult to find his replacement and we call upon upcoming politicians to always serve the people rather than putting their interests first,” said Cde Chipanga.
Family spokesperson and son, Mr Emmanuel Maruni, said the family had been robbed of a father, teacher and unifier who was the source of inspiration and advice in the family.
“As the family we are failing to come to terms with the loss of our father. He was a man who loved his family so much. He made sure that we get enough and better education. Though he was a man of the people because of politics he also made sure that he had time for his family. He was the source of advice and was good at resolving family disputes in a fair and intelligent manner,” said Mr Maruni.
Online Reporter