Online Reporter
Today we are coming to you live from the National Heroes Acre were we are gathered to honour Brigadier General (Retd) Samuel Mpabanga, a decorated military leader and national hero who passed away last week at the age of 69.
Born in Gwanda in 1956, Brig Gen Mpabanga joined the liberation struggle in the 1970s and went on to serve the Zimbabwe National Army for more than four decades, retiring in 2022.
Known for his loyalty, discipline and patriotism, the national hero will be laid to rest here today following tributes held in Bulawayo and Harare.
His body was airlifted from Khumalo Barracks to Charles Gumbo Barracks, where it lay in state.
President Mnangagwa is expected to lead today’s proceedings.
Mourners — including liberation war veterans, Government officials, Zanu PF leaders and members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces — have already gathered to pay their respects.
Brig Gen Mpabanga is survived by his wife and three children.
Stay with us for live updates, speeches, moments of tribute and reactions from those who served alongside the national hero and those whose lives he touched.
Our Reporters Harmony Agere and Zvamaida Murwira, as well as Photographers Believe Nyakudjara and Wilson Kakurira, will bring you developments as they happen.
Service Chiefs arrive
Service Chiefs, led by Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Emmanuel Matatu, have arrived at the National Heroes Acre.
This follows the arrival of other senior leaders, including members of the diplomatic community.
VPs Chiwenga, Mohadi arrive at Heroes Acre ahead of funeral
Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Dr Kembo Mohadi have arrived at the national shrine for the burial.
VP Chiwenga was accompanied by his wife Colonel Miniyatabo Baloyi Chiwenga.
The arrival of the two VPs, followed that of Zanu PF national chairman Cde Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri.
The body of the national hero is expected to arrive anytime from now.
Sombre precision at national shrine 
The National Heroes Acre has been arranged with great precision — rows of neatly placed chairs, wreaths stacked near the plinth, and a red carpeted pathway leading to the catafalque.
A slight breeze moves through the well-kept gardens, carrying the soft murmur of conversations and the occasional rustle of leaves.
Flags flutter at half mast.
The mood is heavy, yet dignified; sorrow is palpable but held in disciplined restraint.
National hero’s body arrives
The hearse carrying the body of National Hero Brig Gen (Retd) Samuel Mpabanga has just arrived at the National Heroes Acre.
Uniformed pallbearers move with measured, ceremonial precision along the red carpeted pathway, heads bowed and a low murmur rippling through the rows of mourners.
Family members and close associates are standing at the front, some visibly moved.
President Mnangagwa arrives
President Mnangagwa has arrived at the National Heroes Acre for the burial of national hero Brigadier-General (Rtd) Samuel Mpabanga.
The President inspected the guard of honour.
His arrival marks the beginning of the official programme.
Family gratitude: Mpabanga remembered for service, support
Brother to the late national hero, Mr Stephen Mbizo expressed thanked President Mnangagwa for honouring his brother.
“We express our gratitude to His Excellency President Mnangagwa and the entire leadership for according my brother national hero status,” said Mr Mbizo.
Mr Mbizo described his brother as an intelligent man who sacrificed his life to serve the country with distinction.
“Brigadier-General (Rtd) Samuel Mpabanga was an astute leader who worked tirelessly for his familyand the nation at large. He gave financial support to empower family members,” he said.
Mr Mbizo said the national hero was a man of few words with very constructive ideas.
Cde Mpabanga served with diligence: President
Brigadier-General (Retired) Samuel Mpabanga served the country with diligence and dedication, President Mnangagwa has said.
Addressing mourners at the burial of the national hero at the National Heroes Acre this morning, President Mnangagwa challenged youths to emulate Brigadier-General (Rtd) Mpabanga.
“We gather here at this sacred National Heroes Acre to lay Brigadier General (Rtd) Samuel Mpabanga to rest,” said the President.
“He was a gallant son of Zimbabwe, a distinguished patriot, and played a critical role in the liberation of the country.”
President Mnangagwa said it is befitting for Cde Mpabanga to be interred at the revered national shrine alongside other heroes who dedicated their lives to the country’s liberation.
He noted that after independence, Brigadier-General Mpabanga continued to serve in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces with dedication, adding that his contributions to the country’s independence and security architecture will forever be remembered.
“Our national hero has passed on as we prepare for independence celebrations in his home province -Matabeleland South,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa called on young people to draw inspiration from the liberation struggle.
“I challenge the youth and learners at all stages to be inspired by our liberation war history so that you become the heroes of our time.”
He said Government continues to prioritise infrastructure development, including road rehabilitation, and is putting in place measures to ensure economic growth.
National hero taken to final resting place
President Mnangagwa has solemnly presented the national flag to the widow of national hero, Brigadier General (Retd) Samuel Mpabanga in a deeply symbolic moment.
With the formal presentation complete, the pallbearers bearing the flag-draped casket began the slow, measured walk towards the gravesite.
Choirs at the national shrine are filling the air with reverent hymns and patriotic songs, their harmonies alternating between mournful and uplifting tones.
