Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
THE ruling Zanu-PF party is mourning six war veterans who died within the first week of June and have all been declared liberation war heroes.
In a notice, Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial chairman, Jabulani Sibanda, announced the deaths and confirmed their liberation war hero status.
The first loss was that of Cde Marko Mpofu, whose liberation war pseudonym was Pistol Sibaphethe. He died on June 1 in Magwegwe, Bulawayo.
A day later, on June 2, Cde Collen Lupondo, known during the liberation struggle by the pseudonym Mfanekhaya, died at Lookout Masuku Barracks.
Announcing the death of Cde Common Mabhena, whose pseudonym was Common, Cde Sibanda confirmed that he had been accorded liberation war hero status.
“This letter serves to confirm that the late Cde Common Mabhena, pseudo name Common, was a liberation war hero. He passed away on June 5 at Esigodini District Hospital in Umzingwane. Cde Mabhena will be laid to rest at Nkulumane Heroes Acre on June 9,” said Cde Sibanda.
The same day, June 5, also saw the death of Cde Enock Mlalazi, whose pseudonym was Samson Ncube. He is set to be buried at Gungwe Village in Tsholotsho.
On June 4, Cde Samson Naison Machukera Sithole, known during the liberation struggle as Same Bvumai, died at Mpilo Central Hospital.
The sixth liberation war hero, Cde Emerencia Chinowaita, died in Makokoba, Bulawayo.
The deaths have cast a pall over the liberation war veterans’ community and the ruling party, which has been paying tribute to the contribution made by the departed cadres during Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence.
