War veteran Billy Sibanda dies

Chronicle Reporter
FORMER freedom fighter Cde Peter Billy Sibanda has died.
He was 56.His brother and family spokesperson, Mr Walter Sibanda yesterday said Cde Sibanda died after suffering a stroke on Sunday at his home in Njube.
He described his brother as a selfless, hardworking and sociable person.

“His death is a big loss to the family as he was a uniting force and pillar of strength to the family. He was a peaceful person who socialised with everyone and he has left a gap that would be difficult to fill,” said Mr Sibanda.

War veterans provincial administrator for Bulawayo Cde Bornfas Ndlovu said Cde Sibanda whose pseudonym was Action Ncube would be buried today at the Bulawayo Heroes Acre in Nkulumane.

He said they had lost a hardworking and dedicated cadre whose death was a big blow to the war veterans  association.
“A church service will be held for him at the First Funeral Parlour in the city at 7.30 am and then people will proceed to the Provincial Heroes Acre in Nkulumane for burial,” said Cde Ndlovu.

Cde Sibanda was born on 9 September 1956 in Ntabazinduna, Umguza district and did his primary education at St Edenis School.
In 1975 due to colonial rule he left the country to join the liberation struggle in Zambia via Botswana.

Cde Sibanda arrived in Zambia in July 1975 with other cadres for training and was housed at Nampundwe Transit Camp where he met commanders Teddy and Tonderai.

In October 1975 he was transferred to Mwembeshi where he underwent military training.
After completing training he was deployed to the front and operated in Hurungwe in Mashonaland West Province under the command of Cdes Terrie and Mawopolo.

Cde Sibanda was injured during a contact with the Rhodesian forces and was taken back to Zambia for where he stayed until the ceasefire.
After Independence he was taken to Bulawayo Disabled Camp in Luveve. He changed camps and finally went to Llewellin for demobilisation in 1982.

He became active in politics and was the chairperson of PF-Zapu Mayihlome district from 1982 until 1987 when the  Unity Accord was signed.
He is survived by wife Elizabeth Sibanda, five children and four grandchildren.

Mourners are gathered at H337 Njube.