Harare (New Ziana) – For the second day, Zimbabweans thronged Rufaro Stadium in Mbare on Friday to pay last respects to former President Robert Mugabe whose body lay in state in the sports arena.

Mugabe, who died in Singapore last Friday, lay in state at Rufaro stadium for two days to afford the public a chance to bid farewell to the founding father of the nation.

Family spokesperson, Walter Chidhakwa said he was grateful for the respect that Zimbaweans had shown to the departed former leader.

“When we came from the airport and I saw those multitudes of people at the airport right up to the city it was probably one of the most touching moments in my life as a part of Baba (father) that we never really appreciated his very close proximity to the people,” he said in an interview with New Ziana.

“There are naturally those who do not like him but we learnt on that day and the last two days yesterday and today the great love that the people of Zimbabwe have for him and it humbles us. I called it a genuine overflow of grief, a genuine overflow of kindness, really very touching and I just want to say to Zimbabweans that on behalf of the Mugabe family, on behalf of the Karigamombe family, the entire Gushungo clan we appreciate the love that you have shown to our father.

“We value, we do not take for granted the difficulties that you have gone through to get here and yet people have been here some walked all the way from their houses they came here and we appreciate it very much.”

Chidhakwa, a former Mines Minister said the huge turnout was testament of how very close Mugabe was to the people.

“I hope more importantly that the leadership of this country, successive leadership of this country into the future have learnt a lesson on what love for the people is and that we must do our utmost as leaders in whatever capacities to ensure that our people live decent lives that is what he wanted,” he said.

The former President will be buried at the National Heroes Acre on Sunday.
New Ziana