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Mphoko's body expected tomorrow

by Staff reporter
3 hrs ago | Views
The body of the late former Vice-President and national hero, Phelekezela Mphoko, is expected to arrive in Zimbabwe from India tomorrow. The announcement was made by Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube during a church service held at the Mphoko family home in Douglasdale suburb, Bulawayo.

Mphoko, a veteran of the liberation struggle, passed away last Friday in India, where he had been receiving medical treatment. He was 84 years old. The Zanu-PF Politburo has declared him a national hero, and he will be laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre in Harare, with the burial date to be announced.

Yesterday, mourners from across the country gathered at the Mphoko family residence to honor the late statesman. Minister Ncube called on Bulawayo residents to continue visiting the home to pay their last respects to a man she described as a "great national liberation struggle stalwart."

"From today and Thursday, we are expected to keep coming for church services as it is expected that the body of our late national hero, uBaba uMphoko, will arrive in Harare from India on Thursday. We will continue coming to the Mphoko home in our numbers to show that we have lost a great man," she said.

The Mphoko family, devoted members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, have made significant contributions to the community, including building churches in Douglasdale and Hope Fountain.

Born on June 11, 1940, in Gwizane, Bubi District, Matabeleland North, Mphoko dedicated his life to the liberation struggle and the development of Zimbabwe. Known for his leadership and commitment to unity, he served as Vice-President of Zimbabwe and held various roles within government and the liberation movement.

Mphoko is survived by his wife, Laurinda, originally from Mozambique, their two daughters Sikhumbuzo and Siduduzo, son Siqokoqela, and three grandchildren.

Church services will continue at the Mphoko family home until the body's arrival and subsequent state burial at the National Heroes Acre. The family and government officials have encouraged Zimbabweans to honor Mphoko's memory by attending the services and reflecting on his contributions to the nation.

Source - The Chronicle