Liberation hero Mapungwana buried
SCORES of people thronged Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare yesterday to pay their last respects to the late Liberation Hero Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Solomon Mapungwana, nom de guerre Cde Chimoto Mabhunu, who died on Monday aged 71.
He was described as a distinguished patriot and spirited cadre who participated in the country’s liberation struggle.
The late Lt-Col Mapungwana was buried at the Provincial Heroes Acre and is survived by his wife Sarah and seven children.
Ms Hazel Mapungwana, an aunt to the deceased said the late hero embodied all the qualities wanted in a leader.
“He embodied the three values that validate a man: being the family’s priest, guardian, and above all the source of income.
“We have lost a pillar of support, love, and guidance as a family,” she said.
Ms Esnath Chipururu, an elder sister, described the late as someone who had passion for helping and giving to the needy.
“We lost a unifier in the family. He always wanted to see people together. Most importantly, he was someone who valued education and he also looked after orphans and other relatives in the family,” she said.
Brigadier-General Zitterson Gideon Sabeka, who worked with the late hero said Cde Chimoto Mabhunu was very passionate about the needs of ordinary soldiers.
“I worked with the late Lieutenant-Colonel Solomon Mapungwana at Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks from 1980. He was a captain by then working at the education directorate.
“He was a person who was very understanding to the pleas of the ordinary soldiers under his command. He listened to them very well as he was in the education department. We worked with him very well until he retired in 1989,” he said.
Addressing the mourners, Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister for Harare Senator Charles Tavengwa described the late Mapungwana as someone who was dedicated to serving his country.
“The late Cde Solomon Mapungwana was a symbol of courage, resilience and unwavering dedication to the ideals of freedom.
“He stood tall amid adversity, faced the enemy without fear and fought relentlessly until our nation was emancipated from the shackles of oppression.
“The late Lieutenant Colonel Mapungwana contributed immensely to the country before and after independence which earned him several medals during his service in the Zimbabwe National Army.
“He was awarded with the Independence Medal, Liberation Medal, Mozambican Campaign Medal, Ten Years’ Service Medal and the Long and Exemplary Service Medal,” said Minister Tavengwa.