Ellah Mukwati Herald Reporter
The director of transport at the zanu-pf headquarters in Harare, Cde Rephias Joseph Maraire, who died on Tuesday has been declared a provincial hero.
He was 55.
zanu-pf headquarters director general Cde Dickson Dzora said Cde Maraire was accorded the status because of his contribution in the liberation struggle and after independence.
“We have accorded him a provincial liberation war hero status taking into consideration his contribution in the struggle and after independence,” said Cde Dzora.
He will be buried tomorrow in his rural home in Manicaland province.
Cde Maraire joined the liberation struggle in 1976 and later joined the Zimbabwe National Army.
“Cde Maraire’s death came as a shock to me because we did not hear of his illness. We were together on Thursday and Friday at work, and only to be told on Tuesday that he had died.
“It’s a tragic loss to us as a party and management as a whole,” Cde Dzora said.
“We convey our heartfelt condolences to the family and relatives on the loss of their dear loved one.
“We say to him, go well son of the soil; go well gallant fighter; and, go well our hero.”
Reverand Portia Kanonyangwa described Cde Maraire as a God-fearing man who set a good example.
“The church has lost a leader who was free to everyone. Although he was a war veteran, he was a humble and devoted Christian.
“We have lost a leader, a father, and a friend.”
“Cde Maraire wanted to see the development of the church.
“He fulfilled all the pledges he made to the church,” she said.
Cde Maraire died at Chitungwiza Central Hospital after a short illness.
He is survived by wife Mrs Dorris Maraire and 10 children.