Sinokubonga Nkala
Harare Bureau
THE body of former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko, who died in India last week, arrived in Harare yesterday accompanied by his wife, Laurinda, children, and other family members.
Cde Mphoko (84) was declared a national hero in recognition of his contributions before and after Zimbabwe’s independence.
Cde Mphoko’s body was received at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by Zanu-PF Politburo members, including National Political Commissar, Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, along with family and friends.
President Mnangagwa extended his condolences to the Mphoko family at the airport shortly after returning from the Midlands where he had two official engagements.
In an interview at the airport, chief director in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Mr Mike Masaka, said the body would lie in state at Charles Gumbo Barracks before being flown to Bulawayo today.
There would be an inter-ministerial meeting to determine the burial date.
“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,” said Mr Masaka.
Cde Machacha expressed the profound loss the nation has experienced with Cde Mphoko’s passing, recalling his pivotal role as a senior commander during the liberation struggle.
Cde Mphoko was born on June 11 1940, in Gwizane, Bubi District, Matabeleland North. He attended David Livingstone Memorial School and Mzilikazi High School before studying at the Tsholotsho Agricultural Breeding and Experimental School.
Cde Mphoko’s political activism began early, and he was arrested in 1963 for political violence. He later received military training in the Soviet Union and played a crucial role in the liberation struggle.
He served in several capacities in Government after independence, including as Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to several countries and as Vice-President from December 2014 until November 2017.
Cde Mphoko is survived by his wife Laurinda, three children, as well as three grandchildren.
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