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Chief Mudzimurema, born Patrick Muchenje, has died. He was 88.

Chief Mudzimurema, born Patrick Muchenje

Chief Mudzimurema died on Saturday at his farm in Seke after a long battle with diabetes and stroke.

He was buried on Tuesday  at Mudzimurema Village in Marondera.

He is survived by his wife, four children, 23 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Marondera District Development Coordinator Mr Clemence Masawi said: “It is with a deep sense of sorrow and sadness that we learnt of the passing away of Chief Mudzimurema.

“It is a great loss indeed. He was one of the few long serving traditional leaders. He worked hard for the development of the area under his jurisdiction and was a member of the Marondera RDC and prior to his ill-health, he actively participated in full council meetings.”

He did his primary education at Mudzimurema Primary School from Sub A to Standard Three before doing Standards Four to Six at Waddilove.

Chief Mudzimurema trained as a teacher at Waddilove Institute, after which he taught at Mudzimurema Primary School from 1952 to 1955 before transferring to Marikopo Primary School in Seke District.

He then moved to Goromonzi District where he taught at Chinyika Primary School, before leaving teaching and started driving at a Chinese company. He worked at many other companies before venturing into business beginning in 1976.

Chief Mudzimurema was elected to the Mashonaland East Provincial Chiefs Council, which represents all chiefs in the province for two terms from 1998 to 2008, before being elevated to the Senate for a term of four years.

He also worked with Marondera Rural District Council. – Rutendo Rori