Own Correspondent|BRIGADIER General Emilio Munemo, who passed away on Sunday after a long illness, has been declared national hero.

The late Brigadier General Munemo was a veteran of the Zimbabwe liberation struggle.

He was instrumental in the establishment of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ Civil Military Relations Department, to which he became the Director-General and was based at the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Headquarters.

In 1982, Chivi-born Munemo commanded one of the three Fifth Brigade battalions, initially stationed in Zvishavane, Midlands province.

In April 1983, Munemo was promoted to commander of the Fifth Brigade after the British Army invited the then Brigadier Shiri to attend a senior officers’ course at Britain’s famous Military Academy, Sandhurst.

After commanding the Fifth Brigade, Munemo went to Nigeria for further studies.

Burial arrangements will also be advised in due course.

Brig-Gen Munemo is survived by nine children and seven grandchildren. Among his children is social media influencer Gerald Mutumanje, also known as Acie Lumumba.