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Some of the mourners gathered at the funeral wake of Cde Vivian Mwashita in New Craneborne, Harare on Saturday. — (Picture by Innocent Makawa)

Abigail Mawonde Herald Correspondent—
ZANU-PF has expressed grief over the loss of two party cadres, Cde Vivian Mwashita and Cde Chinhamo Chinamano, saying their untimely deaths were a great loss to the nation. Party spokesperson Cde Simon Khaya Moyo described the two as dedicated liberation war fighters who sacrificed their youth for the cause of the nation. “The untimely death of war veteran and Zanu-PF stalwart, Cde Vivian Mwashita is a sad loss not only to her family but to the nation at large,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.

“The late Cde Mwashita fought battles during the liberation struggle particularly in the Rushinga area. She was a very courageous cadre of the revolution. “After independence she served in various capacities, remaining a strong and staunch member of Zanu-PF. The family has lost a mother of admirable resilience and Zanu-PF is without an unflinching servant. We will miss her greatly. May her soul anchor and rest in eternal peace,” he said.

Cde Mwashita (58) died last Friday at Parirenyatwa Hospital. She succumbed to diabetes. She leaves behind three children and six grandchildren. On Cde Chinhamo Chinamano, Cde Khaya Moyo said: “Zanu-PF has learnt with shock and dismay of the untimely death of Cde Chinhamo Chinamano, the son of the late national liberation war heroes, Cde Josiah and Ruth Chinamano.

“His body was found yesterday in a trench near his home in Old Highfield, Harare. Anyone of adult age in Zimbabwe who never heard of the Chinamano family could never have been part of the liberation struggle.

“The Chinamanos were a household name who bore the brunt of the liberation struggle with incredible tenacity.” Cde Khaya Moyo said unlike his parents, Chinhamo had played a quiet role in the struggle as he always showed visible irritation at settler oppression, suppression and repression since he grew up without his parents who were always either in detention, restriction or in prison.

“His untimely death is a loss not only to his family but to all revolutionaries of repute who are familiar with the settler oppressive history of this country. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.

Cde Chinamano (60) died on Saturday. He is believed to have fallen into the trench on his way home from a local beer hall during the late hours of the day. He survived by his wife, son and grandson. Cde Khaya Moyo said funeral arrangements for the two would be announced in due course.