Sinokubonga Nkala
Raymond jaravaza, [email protected]
THE body of the late former Vice- President and national hero, Cde Phelekezela Mphoko, is set to arrive in the country from India tomorrow.
The announcement was made yesterday evening by Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Judith Ncube, during a church service held at the family’s home in Douglasdale suburb, Bulawayo.
Cde Mphoko, a veteran of the liberation struggle, passed away last Friday in India, where he had travelled for medical treatment. He was 84.
The Zanu-PF politburo declared Cde Mphoko a national hero, and he will be laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre in Harare on a date to be announced.
Mourners from all walks of life yesterday thronged the Mphoko family home for the funeral service.
The Mphoko family are devoted members of the Seventh-day Adventists Church, and built two churches in Douglasdale and Hope Fountain.
Minister Ncube implored Bulawayo residents to visit the Mphoko home to pay their last respects to the late national liberation struggle stalwart.
“From tomorrow (today) and Thursday, we (mourners) 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.
Cde Mphoko was born on June 11, 1940, at Gwizane in Bubi District of Matabeleland North.
Cde Mphoko is survived by his wife Laurinda, originally from Mozambique, two daughters Sikhumbuzo and Siduduzo, son Siqokoqela, and three grandchildren.
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
