Staff Reporter
Former Vice President now leader of the opposition Zimbabwe People First Joice Mujuru has mourned the late Victoria Chitepo who died on the 8th of April.
In her message, Mujuru describes the sudden death of Chitepo as a shock to her party.
Mujuru described Chitepo as a dedicated fighter for the liberation and development of the country both before and after independence and a rare woman nationalist.
“As Zimbabwe People First (ZIMPF), we learnt with sorrow and sadness about the untimely and tragic death of Gogo Victoria Chitepo…”
Gogo Chitepo contributed immensely to the liberation and development of this country before and after independence. She represented that rare breed of early nationalist women who sacrificed their lives to support their husbands…”
Mujuru who spent several years working with Chitepo in her days in ZANU PF praised the late nationalist for single handedly taking care of her family while her husband veteran nationalist Herbert Chitepo was out leading the liberation struggle or in prison.
She expressed her heartfelt condolences to the Chitepo family on the sad loss of Victoria.
“On behalf of my party, ZimPF, my family and my own behalf, I wish to express my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Chitepo family on the passing on of Gogo Chitepo, a gallant fighter and patriotic daughter of Zimbabwe.
Our prayers and thoughts are with the children of Gogo Chitepo. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” she said.
Chitepo will be buried at the National Heroes Acre today. Officials within Mujuru’s office however expressed sadness that Mujuru will not be able to attend Chitepo’s burial due to the ZANU PF protocol that would not allow her at the national shrine for the burial.
Opposition parties have expressed concern at ZANU PF’s manipulation of national events such as national heroes declaration and burial.