National Hero dies, Maseko's Burial Programme Begins

[Stan]

THE body of national hero and former Matabeleland North Governor Retired Major-General Jevan Maseko will be taken to his farm in Nyamandlovu today after a morning service at the Selborne Park Seventh-Day Adventist Church here.

Rtd Maj-Gen Maseko, who succumbed to renal failure, amyloidosis cancer and diabetes on Monday, will be buried at the National Heroes Acre on Sunday.

The body is expected from Nyamandlovu later in the day to lie in state at his home at Number 19 Kildare Road, Hillside.

Director of public relations in the Zimbabwe National Army Lieutenant-Colonel Alphios Makotore said a military funeral parade for Rtd Maj-Gen Maseko would be held at Imbizo Barracks Parade Square at 11am tomorrow.

After the military parade, the body will be flown to Harare where it will lie in state before being taken to Stodart Hall in Mbare on Sunday morning for body viewing ahead of burial at the national shrine.

Rtd Maj-Gen Maseko's family has welcomed the decision by the country's leadership to accord him national hero status.

"We are absolutely humbled and happy with the decision to confer national hero status on my younger brother, Jevan.

"This is the highest honour one can ever have in a country and it shows that the entire country recognises and respects his works," said his elder brother, Samson.

"It was his choice to join politics and defend his country and as a family we are grateful that his legacy is being recognised. We thank President Mugabe and his leadership for that."

Politburo members Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu and Cde Angeline Masuku were tasked by the Politburo to communicate the party's decision to the family.

Meanwhile, condolence messages for the late nationalist continued to pour in yesterday.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in which Rtd Maj-Gen Maseko served as an ambassador to Algeria, Russia and Cuba described his death as shocking.

"The Minister of Foreign Affairs Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, the Deputy Minister Rabson Makhula, Permanent Secretary Joey Bimha and the entire staff wish to convey to the Maseko family and the nation at large, their heartfelt condolences on the untimely death of their colleague and comrade."

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