Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe gathered, today, in solemn reflection at the National Heroes Acre to lay to rest a towering figure of the liberation struggle, Comrade Luke Mushore, whose Chimurenga name was Cde Dick Joboringo.
On 13 June 2025, the late Mushore passed away, after a long illness, in Centenary, Mashonaland West Province, he was 76 years of age.
Leading the nation in tribute, President Emmerson Mnangagwa hailed Cde Mushore as a “trusted and dependable cadre” whose legacy would inspire generations.
“The late national hero, Comrade Mushore, vaiva bango rakasimba rataivimba naro mumusangano wedu we Zanu PF. Vaisava zinyeke-nyeke. Throughout his life and political journey, he never wavered from the founding ethos and principles of our revolution,” said President Mnangagwa.
Born on 15 June 1949 in Mushore Village, under Chief Madziva, Cde Mushore’s political awakening began at Bernard Mzeki College, where he was expelled in 1966 for protesting against racist colonial policies. He later worked in Chiweshe alongside other youths under Chief Chiweshe, sabotaging white-owned farms as part of the growing resistance.
“He joined the liberation struggle at a defining time when ZanuPF was reshaping its war strategy,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa added that the late Cde Mushore was among the earliest liberation war fighters who courageously fought to break through enemy lines, establishing strategic routes for future operations.
“After fleeing surveillance and arrest threats, he made his way to Muzarabani and joined a unit led by late national heroes General Solomon Mujuru and Cde Vhuu. He later underwent military training at Mgagao in Tanzania and became part of the pioneering ZANLA fighters who opened combat routes into Zimbabwe in collaboration with FRELIMO forces in Mozambique,” explained President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa highlighted that Cde Mushore was involved in key battles, including the famous Chahwanda Battle where Rhodesian Grey Scouts were defeated. His unit also captured colonial officer Gerald Hawksworth in a strategic wartime operation.
“This was a sensational wartime development that highlighted ZANLA’s discipline and adherence to the Geneva Convention. Gerald Hawksworth was later released unharmed, an act that projected ZANLA as a compassionate force,” the President noted.
Post-independence, Cde Mushore continued to serve the nation with distinction, briefly in the police force and later in politics. He served as Zanu PF Provincial Chairman for Mashonaland Central and as Member of Parliament for both Muzarabani South and North, sitting on several committees including the Security Cluster.
“Cde Mushore was instrumental in advancing our Land Reform Programme and mobilising support for the War Veterans’ cause. He remained consistent, loyal and patriotic,” said the President.
In honouring Cde Mushore, President Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans to remain steadfast in defending the ideals that he and his generation fought for.
“Let us never forget that it is through the selfless sacrifices of cadres like Cde Dick Joboringo that Zimbabwe is independent, sovereign and united today,” he said. “Famba zvakanaka mwana wevhu. Hamba kahle Qhawe lamaQhawe. Rest in peace, gallant son of the soil.”
