Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday conferred national hero status on the late Brigadier General (Retired) Mark Charles Chimwaza who succumbed to lung cancer at his home on Thursday last week at the age of 68.
State Security Minister Lovemore Matuke announced the conferment of national hero status, adding that the late Chimwanza will be interred at the National Heroes Acre on a date to be advised.
“President Mnangagwa took into consideration Chimwaza’s contribution during and after the liberation struggle and accorded him this honor. He was a distinguished military officer who was always focused and served the military and the nation at large with distinction,” Matuke said.
In a statement, the Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, described the late national hero, whose nom de guerre was Paddington Chafachaora, as a loyal soldier.
“His professional conduct, whose qualities were based on honesty, integrity, humility, stability, loyalty, enthusiasm, and leadership, speaks well to his legacy,” he said.
Chimwaza’s leadership and commitment earned him several honors, including the Liberation Medal and the Independence Medal, the Ten Years’ Service Medal, the Long and Exemplary Service Medal, the Mozambique Campaign Medal, the Democratic Republic of Congo Campaign Medal, and the Grand Officer of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit Award.
New Ziana
