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Body viewing took over two hours as everyone was afforded a chance to bid farewell to the prominent spiritual healer who served the church for over 33 years.
Some mourners openly wept as they gave testimonies on how they got healed with the help of Madzibaba Nzira.
However, proceedings were delayed as there were negotiations between the church and the Nzira family over his burial.
The family wanted him to be buried at his rural home in Mhondoro, while the church wanted him to be buried in Chitungwiza as “per his directive”.
It was only after the intervention of the police and Media, Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu that the family agreed to bury him in Chitungwiza.
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Minister Shamu said Madzibaba Nzira complemented Government’s empowerment programmes by initiating self-help projects.
“He demonstrated, in practical ways how the church could be relevant in the lives of the people,” he said.
“The self-help projects he initiated at the shrine are a living example of how the concept of indigenisation and economic empowerment could be promoted and implemented for the benefit of communities.”
Minister Shamu said Madzibaba Nzira remained “unflinching” in his support for President Mugabe hence the link between the party and the church.
“Though this often attracted criticism and vilification from detractors, he stood firm and continued supporting the Government,” he said.
Madzibaba Nzira, who was serving a 20-year jail term for rape, was released from prison in January this year on medical grounds.
He was in March 2003 slapped with a 42-year prison term after being convicted of seven counts of rape and one of indecent assault involving two women at his shrine.
However, 10 years were suspended on condition of good behaviour before another 12 were slashed by the High Court on appeal.
His second wife, Sphelile, descri-bed him as “a man of unity.”
“He always wanted to see us happy as a family and he brought people together,” she said.
“He was not selective and treated everyone with the respect he or she deserved. The family will never be the same without him.”
Madzibaba Nzira’s father, Mr Sainet Nzira, added: “Even when in prison, many people visited him, a clear sign that he was a man of the people.
“Since his childhood, he was a peace-loving man and shall be missed by all,” he said.
Church members chronicled the journey they had travelled with Madzibaba Nzira since 1978.
An elder in the church, Madzibaba Clever Manhombo, who worked with Madzibaba Nzira for over 20 years, said he was “irreplaceable.”
Madzibaba Nzira initiated businesses in poultry, panel beating, carpentry, gardening and encouraged a spirit of saving by pioneering the establishment of a Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe branch at the shrine.
He was also a beacon of hope for orphaned children, the sick and mentally-handicapped members of the society.
He also empowered many people by offering them skills training through the many projects that are still operational at Julanifiri Santa Shrine.
Madzibaba Nzira is survived by four wives and seven children.
Zanu-PF Harare provincial chairman Cde Amos Midzi, central committee members and traditional leaders attended the burial.
Online Reporter