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Wallace Ruzvidzo-Herald Reporter

President Mnangagwa is set to preside over the burial of National Hero Cde Jaison William Chezhira Chakaipa Chirinda on Monday.

An extraordinary Zanu PF Politburo meeting, chaired by President Mnangagwa, who is the ruling party’s First Secretary, conferred National Hero status on Cde Chirinda on Wednesday.

Today his body will be taken to Stand Number 9090 Nyatsime near Denota Primary School in Chitungwiza, where friends and relatives will be able to pay their last respects to the distinguished freedom fighter.

In the afternoon at 1230hrs, the body will be airlifted from Denota Primary School to Plot Number 39, Katanya Farm in Matepatepa, Bindura where it will lie in state.

Friends and relatives and the leadership of Mashonaland Central Province will bid farewell to the national hero.

Tomorrow afternoon, Cde Chirinda’s body will be flown back to Charles Gumbo Barracks where it will lie in state ahead of burial on Monday.

The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage announced the burial arrangements yesterday and urged Zimbabweans to come in their numbers to accord Cde Chirinda a befitting send off.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage wishes to inform the nation that following the conferment of National Hero status on Cde Chirinda, his burial is scheduled for Monday 4 November 2024 following consultations with the family.

“His Excellency, the President, Cde Dr E.D Mnangagwa will preside over the burial.

“Burial proceedings will commence on Monday, 4 November 2024 and members of the public are invited to come and give a huge send off to this dedicated son of the soil.

“Mourners are expected to be seated by 0700hrs,” the Ministry said. Cde Chirinda (82) died on October 27 owing to diabetic-related complications.

He was one of the decorated military cadres who were involved in the first military operation against the Rhodesian forces in the Sinoia area, now Chinhoyi, where he led one of the two groups deployed for an offensive against the Rhodesians.

Cde Chirinda was later arrested and served time in prison together with President Mnangagwa, who was serving a life term for his role in fighting the Ian Smith regime.

He was born on 1 September 1942 in Goora, Madziva, Mashonaland Central Province, where he lived with his family during his early years.

Cde Chirinda went to Madziva Goora Primary School and Chifubu Secondary School in Ndola, Zambia where he had gone to live with his elder sister Mai Dzambo.

He joined the liberation struggle in 1965 and went to Tanzania for military training at Three Leaves Brigade and later went to China for further military training. When he returned from China, he and others were tasked with what became the first military operations against the Rhodesian forces in Chinhoyi.

Cde Chirinda led one of the two groups deployed in Sinoia to fight the Rhodesian forces, the other group was led by the late Cde Chatambudza. Together they formed part of the celebrated legendary group of Seven Heroes who perished at Sinioa Battle that ignited the Second Chimurenga which led to Zimbabwe’s Independence 14 years later.

His group of eight had amongst them the late Zanla Commander General Josiah Magama Tongogara who had returned to Zambia when the battle commenced.

Cde Chirinda was unfortunately arrested after the Chinhoyi encounter and was initially sentenced to death. The death penalty was then later commuted to life in prison.

He served with renowned revolutionaries like President Mnangagwa, Cde William Ndangana among others. He was later transferred to Khami Prison in Bulawayo until he was released.

Cde Chirinda is survived by his wife Monia Muchenje, six children – Shungu, Gladmore, Ignatious, Jerina, Letwin, Reason and 19 grandchildren.