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1206: That concludes our updates. Thank you for joining us.

1205: President Mnangagwa ends his speech by saying Government will resolve challenges affecting the nation but urges business to operate morally.

1203: The President says we are one nation and Cde Velaphi was committed to unity. He says Government is committed to dialogue with parties committed to the development of the country.

1201: President Mnangagwa says the national hero leaves a legacy of humility and servant leadership.

“He was a humble person despite his liberation war credentials….I urge the nation to emulate the late national hero by putting the interests of the country above personal interests…shun corruption, tribalism and regionalism,”

1200: “After independence he was instrumental in the unity of PF Zapu and Zanu in 1987 that led to the formation of Zanu-PF,”

1157: Cde Velaphi was arrested in 1963 for possession of arms of war. He was arrested on two occasions from the late 1960s up to independence.

1155: “He committed several acts of sabotage against the colonial regime with other youths in the National Democratic Party,”

1153: The President says the loss of a loved one leaves a deep gap but says the Velaphi family should find comfort that the nation is mourning with them. He says the late national hero was an unflinching person who was committed to defending the sovereignty of the nation before and after independence. The President says the late national hero joined politics after witnessing the ill treatment of blacks.

1151: He described Cde Velaphi as one of the pioneers of the struggle who was dedicated to the liberation of the country.

1146: President Mnangagwa begins his address.

1146: Home Affairs and Cultural Affairs Minister Cain Mathema invites President Mnangagwa to address the mourners.

1130: Family representative Mr Douglas Dube rise to give his remarks on Cde Ntundu Velaphi.

1120: Official proceedings begin with a word of prayer from a minister of religion.

The body of Cde Velaphi is carried to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

1107: The body of the national hero has also arrived.

1106: President Mnangagwa has arrived to a rapturous welcome from the crowd at the national shrine.

President Mnangagwa arrives at the national shrine

1053: Vice Presidents Chiwenga and Mohadi together with their spouses have arrived at the national shrine.

1050: The service chiefs already seated at the National Heroes Acre ahead of the burial of Cde Misheck Velaphi.

1003: President Mnangagwa has arrived and will lead the body viewing ceremony.

1001: Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has arrived.

0956: Vice President Kembo Mohadi arrives.

0953: Service chiefs arrive.

The service chiefs at Stodart Hall

0907: The body of Zanu-PF National Consultative Assembly member and national hero Cde Misheck Ntundu Velaphi (82), who died last week, has arrived at Stodart Hall in Mbare ahead of burial at the National Heroes’ Acre today.