Online Reporter
Hello Zimbabwe.
Welcome to our live coverage of a solemn and historic occasion at the National Heroes Acre.
Today, President Emmerson Mnangagwa will preside over the burial of three national heroes – Major-General (Retired) Herbert Chingono, Cde Cosmas Chiringa, and Cde Elison Mupamawonde.
We gather to honour the three heroes’ unwavering commitment to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and their lifelong service to the nation.
Families, fellow patriots, Government officials, traditional leaders, and members of the public have joined to pay final respects to these distinguished sons of the soil.
Over the next few hours, our Reporters Harmony Agere and Joseph Madzimure, we well as Photographers Believe Nyakudjara and Wilson Kakurira will bring you live updates from the Heroes Acre.
Expect speeches reflecting on the sacrifices made for independence, military salutes and moments of silent tribute.
We will also share background on the lives and service of Major-General Chingono, Cde Chiringa, and Cde Mupamawonde so viewers can better appreciate the legacy each leaves behind.
Stay with us for live coverage of this national act of remembrance and gratitude as Zimbabwe pays homage to three of its sons who gave so much for the country’s freedom and future.
A continued tradition of tribute
This will be Zimbabwe’s fourth triple burial, with the previous three having been held on January 26, 2021; April 29, 2024; and January 22, 2025.
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The first was when Lieutenant General (Retired) Sibusiso Moyo, Cde Joel Biggie Matiza and Major General (Retired) Paradzai Zimondi were laid to rest.
The second was for the interment of Cde Nash Nyasha Dzimiri, Brigadier General Shadreck Vezha and Cde Tsitsi Grace Jadagu.
The most recent was for Major General (Retired) Solomon Siziba, Cde Chenhamo Chakezha Chimutengwende and Ambassador John Shumba Mvundura.
A soldier’s life well-lived
Major General (Retired) Chingono, a decorated veteran of the liberation struggle, died on March 15 at his Pentland Farm home in Mazowe from diabetes related complications.
He was 68.
Born in 1958 in Rukweza village, Makoni district, Manicaland, he was educated at Nyazura Adventist
Mission before joining the liberation struggle.
He crossed into Mozambique for military training and served in the Nyanga and Gandanzara operational areas.
Known by his Chimurenga name, Cde Swift Chakanyuka, Maj Gen Chingono is survived by his wife, Loyse, and six children.
Cde Cosmas Chiringa’s final journey
Cde Cosmas Chiringa, who served as Permanent Secretary for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution, died of heart failure on March 9 at the age of 67.
His body was brought from his rural home in Nyanga via Backshill Farm in Nyazura last week and before lying in state at Charles Gumbo Barracks.
From Muzarabani to the frontline
Cde Elison Mupamawonde was born in Sohwe, Muzarabani, in 1950 and joined the liberation struggle in 1972, travelling to Zambia via Botswana.
He received training in Morogoro, Tanzania, in 1973 and in 1974 was chosen for specialised artillery training in Ukraine under the leadership of Cde Alfred Nikita Mangena.
Returning home in 1975, he took part in significant military operations during the struggle, including involvement in the February 1979 downing of an Air Rhodesia Viscount.
Service Chiefs arrive
Service Chiefs, led by ZDF Commander General Emmanuel Matatu, have arrived.
General Matatu inspected the guard of honour before proceeding to take his seat in the VVIP tent.
The venue is already packed as Zimbabweans pay their last respects to their heroes.
Nation bids farewell to sons of the soil
Family members, liberation war veterans, Service Chiefs, Government ministers, diplomats and ordinary citizens have come to pay their respects.
The military and police bands play funeral marches and patriotic hymns; the cadence is measured, the trumpets and drums lending gravity to the moment.
Bodies of national heroes arrive
The bodies of three national heroes, Major-General (Retired) Herbert Chingono, Cde Cosmas Chiringa and war veteran Cde Elison Mupamawonde have arrived at the National Heroes Acre.
President Mnangagwa’s arrival will mark the beginning of the funeral procession.
This is the fourth time the Heroes Acre is hosting the burial of three national heroes.
President Mnangagwa arrives
President Mnangagwa has arrived at the Heroes Acre for the triple burial. He is accompanied by the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
The President inspected the guard of honour before joining the funeral procession.
Chiringa family pays tribute to national hero’s legacy
The daughter of national hero Cde Cosmas Chiringa, Ms Kudakwashe Chiringa has expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for conferring the country’s highest honour on her father.
Speaking during the ongoing triple burial ceremony, Ms Chiringa said the entire Chiringa family deeply appreciates the recognition.
She described her father as a humble and disciplined man who valued education, noting that his commitment to learning continued long after the liberation struggle.
“He was a quiet man who had a strong belief in education. After the war, he never stopped learning and encouraging those around him to go to school,” she said.
Ms Chiringa highlighted that Cde Chiringa’s influence extended beyond his immediate family, touching many lives through his character and willingness to uplift others.
“To us, his children, his heroism was not only in the liberation struggle but in the way he loved our mother, the way he raised us, and took care of the family,” she said.
She said the late national hero leaves behind an enduring legacy built on service, humility and dedication to both his family and nation.
Brother pays tribute to Cde Mupamawonde’s sacrifice for Zimbabwean independence
The late national hero, Cde Elson Mupamaonde, has been described as a distinguished fighter who sacrificed his life to liberate Zimbabwe.
Cde Mupamaonde’s brother, Mr Peter Mushayavanhu, said his brother was the family’s father figure and pillar of strength.
“He fought for the truth. My brother loved his family and country,” said Mr Mushayavanhu, adding that the national hero has left a void that will be difficult to fill.
“Cde Mupamaonde joined his fellow countrymen who fought and delivered the independence we are enjoying today.”
Mr Mushayavanhu thanked President Mnangagwa for granting his brother hero status.
Major General Chingono leaves a legacy of discipline, humility
Air Vice Marshal Elson Moyo has paid tribute to his brother, national hero Major General (Rtd) Herbert Chingono, describing him as a man who upheld strong principles even during the most challenging times of the liberation struggle.
Speaking at the ongoing triple burial, Air Vice Marshal Moyo said his late brother remained guided by the values of discipline, humility and compassion throughout his life.
“Even during the liberation struggle, he maintained principles of compassion, humility and discipline,” he said, adding that the national hero leaves behind a legacy shaped by the values he lived by.
Air Vice Marshal said the Chingono family was deeply touched by the recognition accorded to the late national hero.
“The Chingono family is profoundly moved by the honour bestowed on Mukoma Herbert,” he said, before going on to thank the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for their unwavering support.
“We thank the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for walking with him, even to his final day,” he said.
President Mnangagwa hails national heroes’ legacies
President Mnangagwa has hailed the enduring legacy of the three national heroes who were buried this morning at the National Heroes Acre in Harare, describing them as mentors and standard-bearers whose lives of sacrifice and patriotism will inspire generations to come.
Addressing mourners at the triple burial of Cde Elison Mupamaonde, Cde Cosmas Chiringa and Major-General (Rtd) Dr Herbert Chingono, President Mnangagwa paid tribute to the late national heroes for their distinguished service during and after the liberation struggle.
“On behalf of the nation, our ruling, revolutionary mass party, Zanu PF, Government, my family, and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to once again extend my heartfelt condolences to the Mupamaonde, Chiringa, and Chingono families,” he said.
“These gallant national heroes were mentors and standard-bearers whose legacies will inspire generations to come.
“They served with unflinching patriotism, consistency, persistence, humility and distinction.”
Highlighting Cde Mupamaonde’s contribution, the President described him as part of the early, legendary vanguard generation whose military expertise and leadership helped turn parts of the country into a ‘no-go zone’ for the oppressive colonial regime.
President Mnangagwa commended Cde Chiringa’s transition from being a liberation fighter to a dedicated public servant whose contributions in Government spanned close to four decades, leading to national development.
“He was one of the bridge-builders who turned the vision of ‘leaving no one and no place behind’ into a practical administrative reality,” he said.
The President challenged civil servants to emulate Cde Chiringa’s work ethic and humility.
“A title is not a trophy; it is a mandate to serve wholeheartedly, with humility and fairness,” he said, adding that discipline, loyalty, patriotism and collective leadership are the bedrock of national development.
Turning to Major-General (Rtd) Chingono, President Mnangagwa described him as “a typical soldier, commander and academic” who rose through the ranks with distinction.
“His life was lived with purpose, honour, bravery, and an unwavering love for Zimbabwe,” he said.
President Mnangagwa urged the nation to draw inspiration from the three heroes and remain united in pursuit of development.
“Let us honour the late comrades by ensuring that our peace is the bedrock upon which we build sustainable development, modernisation and prosperity,” he said.
“Go well, our gallant fighters. You fought a good fight, you have finished your course and kept the faith.”
Zimbabwe will never forget, dear Cdes
In a solemn gesture symbolising the nation’s formal acknowledgement of the heroes’ service, President Mnangagwa formally presented the national flag to the families of the three national heroes
Last respects for national heroes
The Priest is now performing the last rites as the bodies of the three national heroes are lowered into their final resting places.
The three have been laid to rest with full military honours.
Legacies that will never die
As the cortege departs and the crowd disperses, the nation is left to remember the sacrifice and service of Cde Elison Mupamaonde, Cde Cosmas Chiringa and Major-General (Rtd) Herbert Chingono, heroes whose legacies will endure.
Go well, sons of the soil.
