Process to bring home National Hero Mphoko’s remains begins

Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter

THE repatriation process of the late national hero Cde Report Phelekezela Mphoko’s body from India to Zimbabwe has started with the Government confirming that it intends to do it in the quickest possible time.

Cde Mphoko died on Friday in India and was declared a national hero.

He was 84.

In an interview, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira confirmed that the repatriation process is underway and will be expedited.

He said full attention is being given to the process.

“It is sad that we lost our national hero. The Government has put all its focus on the repatriation process of the late Cde Mphoko. We are working with the family and our embassy staff to ensure that the process is completed as soon as possible and the repatriation is done,” said Prof Murwira. “I can’t talk of the dates of arrival home as of now but yes, the process has started and we hope to complete it at the quickest time possible.”

Sunday News visited the Mphoko family home yesterday in Douglasdale, where mourners have not yet gathered as the family remains in India, working on the repatriation arrangements. 

A close relative who identified himself as Velaphi told Sunday News, “Our grandfather (the late) travelled to India two weeks ago for medical treatment and unfortunately we lost him there. I can say almost the whole family is in India now and are working on the repatriation processes to bring him home.”

He continued, “Our grandmother (Cde Mphoko’s widow), her two daughters Sikhumbuzo and Sduduzo, as well as one of the grandchildren, Daluthando, are currently in India. The instruction is that mourners will convene once they arrive.”

Former liberation struggle fighters have paid tribute to Cde Mphoko, describing him as an astute leader and logistics guru during the liberation struggle. 

Brigadier-General (Rtd) Abel Mazinyane told Sunday News, “He was secretly called Mgqhala (crow bar) because of his forceful approach to solving logistical problems. He and his team established sites and communication dumps for the easy re-supply of ammunition to the ZPRA fighting forces.”

Brig-Gen (Rtd) Mazinyane noted Cde Mphoko’s stringent approach, saying, “Him and Cde Nikitha Mangena were however not generous with ammunition. Those who trained under ZPRA might remember how stingy with ammunition his offices were to the extent that missing a target at the shooting range would be an unforgettable experience.”

Another liberation struggle veteran, Cde Cecil Banda, reflected on his interactions with Cde Mphoko, stating, “I met him in 1972 when I was coming from Morogoro where I had been trained. 

“He distinguished himself as a hands-on leader who involved himself in fieldwork regardless of his high rank.”

Cde Banda added, “He was a father figure regardless of the fact that we were soldiers. Over and above all, he was a humble man. I remember he wanted to know how we were performing in the field and would come with us only to encourage and advise us on how we can improve.”

President Mnangagwa announced the death of Cde Mphoko in a statement on Friday. He further announced that the Zanu-PF politburo had unanimously declared Cde Mphoko a National Hero in recognition of his illustrious service to the country before and after independence. 

In his condolence message to the Mphoko family and the entire nation, President Mnangagwa described Cde Mphoko as a veteran of the liberation struggle who was among its early architects, brave fighters and crop of formative and outstanding commanders.

He said the nation has lost another stalwart of the liberation struggle whose contribution to national independence can hardly be overstated.

President Mnangagwa added that Cde Mphoko’s early exposure to diplomacy during the liberation struggle prepared him for his long career in the diplomatic service after independence which saw him serving as Zimbabwe’s ambassador to various countries, including the Russian Federation.

The President said Cde Mphoko’s appointment as Vice-President was both deserved and consistent with his sacrifice and long service to the people of Zimbabwe.

He said after his service in government, Cde Mphoko continued to work with the ruling Zanu-PF party, including lending his unqualified support during the 2023 General Elections.