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Herald Reporter

Zanu PF Mashonaland Central Province provincial war veteran executive member, Cde Dennis Mushonga whose Chimurenga name was Cde Everisto Nhamo, has died.

Cde Nhamo died last Sunday at his home in Glendale after an illness. He joined the liberation struggle in 1972 after being recruited by the late General Solomon Mujuru at St Albert’s Mission in Mt Darwin. Chairman of Mashonaland Central War Veterans Association, Cde Richard Chirongwe said the association has lost a brave freedom fighter. Cde Chirongwe said they had forwarded a request for Cde Nhamo to be accorded National Hero Status.

Cde Nhamo first received military training in the battle front and was later sent to Tanzania where he received further training at Mgagao military academy.

He became a member of the Zanla General Staff in 1974 and operated in Mt Darwin Muzarabani and Rushinga.

Cde Nhamo was part of a group that attacked Altena farm together with General Mujuru. He survived the epic five day battle at Mavhonde in Mozambique.

At this battle he was in charge communication system linking together the five bases at the camp. “When I saw the aeroplanes being gunned down at Mavhonde I told myself that I will never use an aeroplane as a means of transport. One by one we gunned them down,” Cde Nhamo is quoted in the 60 minute epic Mavhonde documentary produced by the Zimbabwe Heritage Trust.

Cde Nhamo was part of a group of cadres who established Zhunda and Nyadzonia refugee camps together with the likes of Tracy Sarudzai Chakananga, Cde Tsanangurai popularly known as Cde Tsana Cde Dadirai, now Brigadier General Chitsungo, the late Timothy Gutura, Charles Saudi among others.

At Independence Cde Nhamo joined the National Army signals and communication but later retired on medical grounds.

Mourners are gathered at house no 1500 Highway Glendale. He is survived by a son Maxwell and daughter Memory.