Fungai Lupande Mash Central Bureau
A delegation of Government officials from Zambia and Mozambique last week travelled to Chapoto Village in Kanyemba, Mbire District, to mourn Chief Chapoto whom they described as a brother and unifier.

District Commissioner for Luangwa District Mr Ngoni Moyo, who was accompanied by Luangwa Mayor Mr Austin Bota, said Chief Chapoto — born Peter Enoch Chapoto — had a home in Luangwa and desired to see the construction of a pontoon linking Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique.

“We mourn our father Chief Chapoto. He was at home in Luangwa and each time he came to Luangwa he passed by our offices. One thing that he desired most was to see the pontoon connecting Luangwa and Kanyemba,” said Mr Moyo.

“We sat in meetings together to discuss the issue and we could see how passionate he was about the issue. He would sometimes drive his car to Kanyemba post and express how he was looking forward to the day when he would be able to drive to Luangwa.

“He would say we are just separated by the Zambezi River, we are one and the same people. We lost our father but let us continue to walk in the vision that he had and ensure that there is good connection between our countries.”

A chief from Zambia, his Royal Highness Mupuka said he was very close to Chief Chapoto who frequently visited his home.

“The history of our chieftaincy is that there were three brothers originating from Mozambique, one settled in Zimbabwe another in Zambia and the third in Mozambique. I am of the Muchikunda tribe originating from Mozambique, Zumbo area. I came to mourn my brother we were very close,” said Chief Mpuka.

“He used to come to my house and it is unfortunate I only came for his funeral. All the Machikunda and Nsenga people in Zambia are mourning with you because we are one people. May his soul rest in peace.”

Chief Mirinyu Gorongodyo from Mozambique thanked people who came to mourn Chief Chapoto and said Mozambicans and Zimbabweans were one people

“We came to morn Chief Chapoto whom we were working well with. People came to Mozambique from Kanyemba to do their businesses through the spirit of oneness. Chief Chapoto was a unifier and may we continue in that spirit.”

Chief Chapoto succumbed to prostate cancer on February 11. He was 71.

He is survived by his wife Lea, six children, 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

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