By A Correspondent

In a move that has raised eyebrows, national hero and former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko has been laid to rest at his plot in Douglasdale, just outside Bulawayo, contrary to the traditional burial at the National Heroes Acre.

This decision was made in accordance with Mphoko’s wishes, as revealed by his family.

Mphoko, who passed away at the age of 84 in India while receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment, was declared a national hero by the government. However, his family disclosed that he had expressed his desire to be buried at his plot, rather than the national shrine where many of his contemporaries are laid to rest.

This decision is not unprecedented, as several liberation war heroes have also opted out of being buried at the National Heroes Acre. Notable examples include former President Robert Mugabe, who was ousted in a military coup in 2017, and former ministers Welshman Mabhena and Dumiso Dabengwa, who also chose to be buried elsewhere .

Observers have pointed out that Mphoko’s decision may be linked to the complex politics surrounding his tenure and the circumstances of his departure from office. Some have suggested that Mphoko’s reluctance to be buried at the National Heroes Acre may be a reflection of his feelings towards President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who seized power after overthrowing Mugabe.

Regardless of the motivations behind Mphoko’s decision, his burial in Bulawayo marks a significant departure from tradition.

As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with its complex history and politics, Mphoko’s legacy will undoubtedly be remembered as a testament to the country’s ongoing struggle for identity and reconciliation.