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Mphoko's body arrives
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The body of former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko, who passed away in India last week at the age of 84, arrived in Harare yesterday. He was accompanied by his wife, Laurinda, their children, and other family members. Mphoko has been declared a national hero in recognition of his significant contributions both before and after Zimbabwe's independence.
The body was received at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by Zanu-PF Politburo members, including National Political Commissar Munyaradzi Machacha. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, fresh from official engagements in the Midlands, also extended his condolences to the Mphoko family at the airport.
Chief Director in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Mr. Mike Masaka, announced that the body would lie in state at Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare before being flown to Bulawayo today. An inter-ministerial meeting will convene to finalize the burial arrangements.
"We are going to convene an inter-ministerial meeting at 8am. It is only from that meeting that we will inform the public regarding the burial arrangements," Mr. Masaka stated.
Mphoko’s death marks a profound loss for the nation, as highlighted by Machacha, who reflected on his pivotal role as a senior commander during the liberation struggle.
Born on June 11, 1940, in Gwizane, Bubi District, Matabeleland North, Mphoko's life was characterized by dedication to the nation. He attended David Livingstone Memorial School and Mzilikazi High School before enrolling at the Tsholotsho Agricultural Breeding and Experimental School.
Mphoko's political activism began early, and he was arrested in 1963 for political violence. He subsequently received military training in the Soviet Union and became a key figure in Zimbabwe's liberation struggle.
After independence, Mphoko served the nation in various capacities, including diplomatic roles as Zimbabwe's Ambassador to several countries. He was appointed Vice President in December 2014 and served until November 2017.
Mphoko is survived by his wife Laurinda, three children, and three grandchildren. His contributions to the nation’s history and governance will be remembered as Zimbabwe prepares to honor him with a hero’s burial. The burial date will be announced following the inter-ministerial meeting.
The body was received at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by Zanu-PF Politburo members, including National Political Commissar Munyaradzi Machacha. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, fresh from official engagements in the Midlands, also extended his condolences to the Mphoko family at the airport.
Chief Director in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Mr. Mike Masaka, announced that the body would lie in state at Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare before being flown to Bulawayo today. An inter-ministerial meeting will convene to finalize the burial arrangements.
"We are going to convene an inter-ministerial meeting at 8am. It is only from that meeting that we will inform the public regarding the burial arrangements," Mr. Masaka stated.
Mphoko’s death marks a profound loss for the nation, as highlighted by Machacha, who reflected on his pivotal role as a senior commander during the liberation struggle.
Born on June 11, 1940, in Gwizane, Bubi District, Matabeleland North, Mphoko's life was characterized by dedication to the nation. He attended David Livingstone Memorial School and Mzilikazi High School before enrolling at the Tsholotsho Agricultural Breeding and Experimental School.
Mphoko's political activism began early, and he was arrested in 1963 for political violence. He subsequently received military training in the Soviet Union and became a key figure in Zimbabwe's liberation struggle.
After independence, Mphoko served the nation in various capacities, including diplomatic roles as Zimbabwe's Ambassador to several countries. He was appointed Vice President in December 2014 and served until November 2017.
Mphoko is survived by his wife Laurinda, three children, and three grandchildren. His contributions to the nation’s history and governance will be remembered as Zimbabwe prepares to honor him with a hero’s burial. The burial date will be announced following the inter-ministerial meeting.
Source - the herald
