ZNA bids farewell to crash victims

THE Zimbabwe National Army yesterday held a funeral parade at One Commando Barracks and bade farewell to five soldiers who died in a road accident along the Harare-Nyamapanda highway on Saturday.

A bus ferrying soldiers from 2 Infantry Battalion was involved in an accident with another bus, killing eight people while 31 were injured.

The ZNA members were sergeant Chimbadzo Dudzai (39), Corporal Gatsi Takemeore (37), Corporal Matanga Learnmore (32), Corporal Aisa Lenny (30) and Private Mudondo Sharmaine Tsungai (26).

Speaking at the funeral parade at One Commando Barracks in Harare yesterday, Zimbabwe National Army Commander Lieutenant-General Edzayi Chakanyuka Chimonyo expressed heartfelt condolences to the families on the loss of their beloved ones.

“It is with deep sense of sorrow that we are gathered here today to bid farewell to our beloved ZNA members, specifically Zimbabwe Signals Band who passed way in a road traffic accident. A dark cloud has fallen on us.

“On behalf of Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Commander Zimbabwe National Army, generals, senior officers, officers and men of ZDF, the Signals Corps and the Zimbabwe Signals Band, allow me to convey our heartfelt condolences to the berieved families on this untimely loss of their beloved ones. May l assure you that we indeed share your grief and that we are together in this sad moment,” he said.

Lt-Gen Chimonyo said the accident occurred when they were coming from the military wedding of one of their colleagues.

The deceased Sergeant Chimbadzo Dudzai (39) is survived by his wife Francisca Katsande and two children.

Corporal Gatsi Takemeore (37) left behind a wife Tsvakai Musanjeya and a child.

Corporal Aisa Lenny (30) is also survived by his wife Samukeliso Phiri and a child.

Private Mudondo Sharmaine Tsungai (26) is survived by her husband and a child.

Some of the survivors of the accident attended the funeral parade together with the families of the deceased.