KADOMA -THE late hero, Robert Muchoko, also known as Wurayayi Mabhunu during
the liberation struggle, who was given a hero status, was laid to rest at Kadoma
Provincial Heroes’ Acre.
Muchoko died on September 17 after a long illness. He was born on August 5 1965 in
Gutu and was 58 at the time of his death.
Communities in Kadoma, including family members came to pay their last respects to
the hero and comfort the bereaved family.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Marian
Chombo, in her speech narrated the life journey of Muchoko, and said the farm, which
he acquired no one was going to take it away from his family as it is their inheritance.
“In his political history, Cde Muchoko did his education at Nharira Primary School. He
went to join the war in 1978 when he went to Mozambique to learn about war. He came
back in 1980 when the country attained its independence. No one is going to take from
the family the farm which they are living on. It is for the wife and her children,” said
Minister Marian Chombo.
Nephew to the hero, Joel Mambara, who spoke representing the Muchoko family, said
they were grateful for the hero status granted to his uncle and thanked those who came
to grieve with them.
“We are happy with the respect, which was given to our uncle. I am his nephew. I also
want to thank everyone who came to honour us at this time of grieving. We thank the
Government for giving our uncle hero status,” said Mambara.
Adrian Bonde, who spoke representing the War veterans, said they felt honoured as
war veterans for one of theirs to be given the status. He said they will continue to fight
for this country as he implored that the family's farm should not be taken as that has
been the trend.
He also said: "Hatidi vanhu vanotorera vanhu minda yavo. Munda waMai Muchoko
ngausatorwa ticharamba tichimira tichirwa kuti zvisaitika. Tichashanda nemi Minister
kuti budiriro yenyika ifambe. Chimwe chikumbiro chedu chatinacho ndechekuti nzvimbo
ino inovigirwa magamba ivandudzwe, haina chimiro chakanaka sezvamuri
kungoonawo,” said Bonde.
Muchoko became a major farmer at Hope Farm in Mhondoro-Ngezi District after he was
allocated a farm during the Land Reform Programme.
Muchoko leaves behind, his wife, Patricia Muchoko and seven children – five girls and
two boys.
