By Munacho Gwamanda-Zanu PF is, for the fifth time in a space of two weeks going back to the National Heroes Acre to bury another hero.
This time, Zanu Pf is burying former ZIPRA senior member and ex-Governor of Manicaland, Tinaye Chigudu, whom it conferred with National Hero status following his death in Harare on Wednesday.
His burial marks the fifth national hero interment within just two weeks, raising speculation over the mysterious frequency of high-profile deaths among senior government and military figures.
On 22 January, Acting President presided over the burials of:
- Major-General (Retired) Solomon Siziba
- Chenhamo “Chen” Chakezha Chimutengwende
- Ambassador John Shumba Mvundura
Days later, Chiwenga returned to the National Heroes Acre to oversee the burial of former top CIO boss, Justin Mupamhanga.
Chigudu’s death and subsequent hero status add to the growing list, fueling speculation over the unexplained mortality rate among prominent figures.
Who Was Tinaye Chigudu?
Born on August 13, 1942, Chigudu had a long career in liberation politics, government, and diplomacy. His early education took place at Chigudu School, Cyrene Mission, and Harare Secondary School before he left Zimbabwe in 1964 to join ZAPU in Zambia.
Trained in guerilla warfare in North Korea as a ZIPRA cadre, Chigudu later returned to Zimbabwe as an intelligence officer but was captured in 1965 and detained in Gonakudzingwa, Gweru, and Whawha prisons for 12 years.
After exile in the UK, he studied law at Exeter University (1978-1981) before returning to Zimbabwe to serve in various government roles:
- 1981: Under Secretary (Legal Affairs) – Ministry of Transport
- 1994-2004: Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Home Affairs
- 2004-2005: Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Mines
- 2005-2008: Governor & Resident Minister – Manicaland
Chigudu later worked as a senior consultant for the UNDP, helping structure South Sudan’s Ministry of Interior. Until his death, he was farming in Makoni District.