By Derick Tsimba

National hero Brigadier General Ruphus Chigudu has been buried today at the National shrine in Harare.

Speaking at the burial of son of the soil Chigudu, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said   the nation had lost a gallant military man who was dedicated to the sovereignty of Zimbabwe.

“On behalf of the Zanu-PF Government, the people of Zimbabwe, my family and on my own behalf allow me to pass my condolences; together we have lost an astute military man, indeed a fearless cadre, May his soul rest in peace.

“The defence and security establishment and the nation at large are poorer without him. He was a fearless veteran. After independence he transformed himself into a loyal soldier who was dedicated to our sovereignty,” said the President.

President Mnangagwa also said the late Brigadier General joined the liberation struggle in 1976 after the colonial oppressive system of companies led him and his colleagues to team up and join the war in Mozambique.

The President described the late national hero as a man who taught fellow cadres and went to the war front to engage colonial forces.  He applauded his acts of gallantry, bravery and hard work which saw him rise to Platoon Commander.

President Mnangagwa bemoaned acts of violence and destruction which he said should not be left to make the country ungovernable.

“Violence, destruction of property and making Zimbabwe ungovernable can never be democratic and that is not what we fought for.

 “Cde Chigudu knew the value of peace; we pay tribute to him by keeping the peace.  I applaud the people of Zimbabwe for keeping the peace and harmony,” he said.