Mujuru was a great fighter: Mugabe

Speaking at the burial ceremony of Retired General Solomon Mujuru, at the National Heroes Acre where thousands of people had gathered President Robert Mugabe described the former Commander as a gallant fighter who has been sadly taken away from the people by a cruel, painful fire.

President Mugabe conveyed his deepest condolences to the Mujuru family and Vice President Joice Mujuru saying, Retired General Mujuru survived the rigours of the liberation struggle, only to be taken away by a fire.

"Rex is a legend. He was a great fighter, fighter of fighters, a freedom fighter, a commander who behaved like a mere soldier and shared risks with his fellow soldiers" said President Mugabe. Mugabe said Mujuru remained firm even in 1977 when the armed struggle generated momentum and many gave up, defected and betrayed the revolution.

Mugabe said in 1979 at the Lancaster House Conference, General Mujuru did not take part in the talks but remained in the front fuelling the war of liberation.He also added that Mujuru recognised the need to mobilise the masses for an effective prosecution of the armed struggle.

Mugabe reminded the British and their allies, the Americans, that Zimbabwe is now a sovereign state and they should stop meddling in the country's affairs.President Mugabe said people should organise themselves and form partnerships in order to control indigenous resources.