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Updates: Lincoln Towindo

Editor: Costa Mano

1501: The National Anthem is now being sung marking an end to proceedings here at the national shrine. That concludes our updates, thank you for joining.

1440: The laying of wreaths has started.

1417: Dr Chombo thanks President Mugabe for his speech and asks him and the Chidyausiku family to accompany the national hero to his final resting place.

1411: President Mugabe has finished his address.

1409: “Go well son of the soil..faithful servant who never deceived the nation and you never went astray……go well as a national hero and may you rest in eternal peace,”

1404: President Mugabe says Justice Chidyausiku was part of the  legal team that went to the Lancaster House negotiations.

1357:  He says Justice Chidyausiku was inspired study law at a time when Africans were at the receiving end of colonial injustice. President Mugabe narrates how Justice Chidyausiku became active in politics.

1354: President Mugabe describes Justice Chidyausiku as a distinguished and respected cadre. He says his death caught many people including the President by surprise although he was aware that he had been unwell for the last two months. Little did they know however that his illness would deteriorate so quickly.

1350: President Mugabe is now on the podium.

1342: Ambassador Chidyausiku has finished his address.

1341: “Godfrey had a passion for farming and this season he had 150 hectares of tobacco, 80 hectares of that crop was battered by a hail storm but they still manged to get over 150 tonnes of tobacco at harvest. This explains why he wqs so passionate about the return of land to black Zimbabweans.” says Ambassador Chidyausiku.

The casket carrying Justice Chidyausiku’s body is carried to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Picture by Tawanda Mudimu

1337: Family spokesperson Ambassador Boniface Chidyausiku is now addressing the mourners. He describes Justice Chidyausiku as a unifier.

1320: Home Affairs Minister Dr Ignatius Chombo is now on the podium as the Master of Ceremony. He has called on Father Fidelis Mukonori to lead the mourners in prayer.

President Mugabe paying his respects at Stodart Hall today. Picture by Believe Nyakudjara

1313: The casket is now being carried to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as is the tradition when burying a national hero.

1305: The Gun Carriage carrying national hero Justice Chidyausiku’s body has arrived at the National Heroes Acre accompanied by President Mugabe.

1203: President Mugabe has arrived along with First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe. President Mugabe will now lead the body viewing ceremony.

1154: The two Vice Presidents Mnangagwa and Mphoko have arrived.

People have lined the streets of Mbare to bid farewell to the departed jurist. Picture by Believe Nyakujdara

1151: The service chiefs have arrived.

1138: Minister of Defence Dr Sydney Sekeramayi has arrived.

1134: Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission has arrived Justice Rita Makarau has arrived.

1120: The body of national hero Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku has arrived.

The Gun Carriage carrying Justice’s Chidyausiku’s body arrives at Stodart Hall. Picture by Lincoln Towindo

1100: Hundreds of mourners are gathered here outside Stodart Hall in Mbare awaiting the arrival of the body of national hero Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku ahead of the body viewing ceremony.

Groups of women and youths are in full song here celebrating the life of the late jurist.