Herald Reporter
Liberation hero, Cde Joseph Rupiya, who died on Sunday in Chitungwiza, was buried at the Harare Provincial Heroes Acre yesterday. Cde Rupiya, whose Chimurenga name was Chenjerai Mabhunu.
He was aged 52.

Among the mourners were Minister State for Harare Metropolitan Province Cde Mirriam Chikukwa and Officer Commanding Police Mashonaland Region, Senior Assistant Commissioner Wonder Chisora.

In her graveside speech, Minister Chikukwa described Cde Rupiya as a freedom fighter who left a legacy which would be cherished.

“He fought for the country’s liberation and he continued to work hard after the country attained independence. He joined the City of Harare as a police officer in 1983 and managed to rise through the ranks, which demonstrates his hardwork,” she said.

His daughter Sharon, said the family had lost a pillar of strength and a father who guided the family at all times.

“We lost a pillar of support and the void he left will be difficult to fill. We appreciate the hero status bestowed on him by the Government, which is attributed to his history and what he did for the country,” she said.

Cde Rupiya was born on March 19 in 1962 and attended St Peters Primary and Secondary Schools.

He left the country for Mozambique through Gaerezi to Doroi.

He was trained at Samakweza in 1979 and was a member of war veterans at Chilepo District where he served in Zanu-PF Mugabe B branch, Cell 5 as secretary.

Cde Rupiya was serving in the City of Harare Fire Brigade Department as assistant divisional officer, a position he held until the time of his death.

He is survived by wife Beata and five children, Roselyn, Sharon, Tonderai, Tinashe and Tawanda.

 

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