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The late Retired Air Commodore Mike Karakadzai

Herald Reporter
A memorial service for the late national hero and former general manager of the National Railways of Zimbabwe, Retired Air Commodore Mike Tichafa Karakadzai was held yesterday at the Karakadzai family residence in Greystone Park, Harare.Rtd Air Cdre Karakadzai passed away two months ago in a car crash and was buried at the National Heroes Acre.

Two months later, senior Government officials, service chiefs, relatives, colleagues and friends gathered to celebrate the life of the late national hero.

Several speakers, among them Government officials, colleagues and relatives described Rtd Air Cdre Karakadzai as a fearless cadre.
Addressing the gathering, Defence Minister, Cde Sydney Sekeramayi described Rtd Air Cdre Karakadzai as a rare breed of sons and daughters of the soil, who chose their country over self interest.

He said Air Cdre Karakadzai was a shrewd leader and strategist who excelled in the Air Force of Zimbabwe and at NRZ.
“He was a shrewd leader who excelled in his work. He was a rare breed. The death was a great loss to us all. Let us be consoled by the great work and legacy he left us,” said Cde Sekeramayi.

Son to the national hero, Mr Tendai Karakadzai, said his father was loving and caring. Colleagues described how Air Cdre Karakadzai would manage to boost moral when things were tough.

Some of the people who attended the memorial include Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa, Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Constantine Chiwenga and Airforce of Zimbabwe Commander, Air Marshal Perrance Shiri.
Retired Air Commodore Karakadzai was born on March 7, 1957 in Chipinge.

During the liberation struggle, Retired Air Commodore Karakadzai, whose Chimurenga name was Cde Hip Level, played a crucial role in mobilising the masses and setting up Zanu PF structures.

He crossed the border in 1975 aged 18 and went to Mozambique where he was sent to Chibawawa Camp and later Chimoio where he received his military training.

He died on August 19 when his car hit a stray cow along the Harare-Bulawayo highway.