Staff Reporter

President Mnangagwa has mourned the passing on of Major General (Retd) Sikhulile Simpson Nyathi, who died in Harare on Sunday morning.

In a Press Statement released by the Department of Presidential Communications, the President   expressed sorrow on the death of another freedom fighter, within days after the demise of Major General (Retd) Godfrey Chanakira.

"It was with a deep sense of shock and sorrow that I learnt today about the passing on of yet another gallant son of the soil and freedom fighter, Major General (Retd) Sikhulile Simpson Nyathi, at the Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks Referral Hospital in Harare on Sunday morning.

"Major General Nyathi's demise weighs heavily on our nation as it has come when we have barely recovered from the pain and loss of National Hero, Major General (Retd) Godfrey Chanakira whom we laid to rest last week at the National Heroes Acre.  Our Nation is worse off for losing in succession part of the remaining crop of leading cadres of our Armed Liberation Struggle," said the President.

The President sang praises for the late General, highlighting that he was a committed and courageous cadre.

"The late General was a committed revolutionary cadre who joined the Liberation Struggle in his late teens. He sacrificed both life and limp for the sake of our Freedom and eventually, Independence.

"He survived the horrendous bombings of Freedom Camp and Mulungushi Camp, both on the outskirts of Lusaka in Zambia, by the racist Rhodesian soldiers. He carried scars from the war to his grave."

President Mnangagwa said that Major General Nyathi carved an illustrious military career in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces where he rose through the ranks until he attained the rank of Major General on retirement.

"Throughout his years in service, the late General was exemplary, steadfast and loyal to his country, a fact attested by the numerous medals he deservingly got."

The President conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Nyathi family who he said had lost a loving husband and father.

"On behalf of the Ruling Party ZANU PF, Government, the people of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and indeed on my behalf, I wish to convey my sincere condolences to the Nyathi Family, especially his wife Noleen and the children, who have lost a loving husband and father.

"May they take comfort from the knowledge that the whole Nation joins them in grieving the loss of their dear departed who was no longer theirs alone, but a National persona.

"May his dear soul rest in Eternal Peace".

Details of his burial are yet to be announced.