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Mashonaland East Bureau

Liberation hero Cde Kumbirai Josiah Mwafisha was a patriot and unifier, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Dr Aplonia Munzverengwi has said.

Dr Munzverengwi was speaking at Cde Mwafisha’s burial at the Mashonaland East Provincial Heroes Acre in Marondera on Tuesday.

Cde Mwafisha (73) died on Friday at Marondera Provincial Hospital after a short illness.

“It is a sad moment for the province and the nation at large as a dark cloud of sorrow and grief has been cast over our province and our motherland as we are gathered to mourn the loss of Cde Kumbirai Josiah Mwafisha whose Chimurenga name was Rex Hamandafa.

“Cde Mwafisha was an affectionate and loving father. He served his country with utmost good faith and was a true patriot. He fully supported and endorsed Government policies and programmes.

“To you, Cde Mwafisha, I say, go well Comrade. You ran your race and you fought a good battle. We are forever grateful for your great commitment and support towards the sovereignty and development of this great nation.  Famba zvakanaka Gamba rema Gamba.”

Cde Mwafisha’s son, Mr Addmore Chikerede, said his father was strict and hardworking, adding that the family has also lost a fountain of knowledge. He thanked the Government for according their father hero status.

Cde Mwafisha was born on October 10, 1951 in the Chikwanda area in Chipinge District under Chief Mutema area, in Manicaland, the third born in a family of five boys and four girls.

In 1975, Cde Mwafisha decided to join the armed struggle and wanted to remain in the military after Independence. After training, he was sent to the 38 Infantry Battalion in Mutare.

He was demobilised in 1982 and in the same year joined the Zimbabwe People’s Militia (ZPM) from 1982 to 1987. He worked in ZPM as a regular member and attended courses in basic tracking, infantry 01/88 and advanced tracking at the Zimbabwe Parachute Group.

He was later assimilated into the Zimbabwe National Army as a regular and was with the Military Police at Harare District Provost Company. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and worked as a detachment commander at Harare District Provost Company at JM Tongogara Baracks. He retired in October 2001.

Cde Mwafisha continued serving the country and the people of Zimbabwe, as a distinguished member of the ruling party. He is survived by his wife Estina and four children, two sons and two daughters.