Ambassador Douglas Nyikayaramba, who succumbed to Covid-19 complications on Tuesday, will be buried tomorrow at the National Heroes Acre at a funeral to be presided over by President Mnangagwa.

Ambassador Nyikayaramba, who retired from the military in 2019 to join the diplomatic service was declared a national hero on Wednesday after the governing party unanimously agreed that the liberation war hero, whose Chimurenga name was Blessing Mohondo, deserved the highest honour.

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe confirmed the development yesterday, saying the burial will be held under strict Covid-19 conditions as recommended by the World Health Organisation.

“We met with family members this afternoon to discuss the burial and related aspects. We subsequently agreed that burial will be held on Saturday. His Excellency, the President will preside over the burial,” said Minister Kazembe.

“The burial will be held under strict conditions where few people will be allowed at the national shrine in terms of the World Health Organisation. Those who are supposed to attend will be notified and one should not attend if he or she has not been notified. This is in line with the spirit to observe WHO protocols regarding burial, consistent with the desire to contain Covid-19.”

A devout member of the Johanne Masowe Vadzidzi VaJesu vekwaMajinesta Apostolic sect, Amb Nyikayaramba was also a decorated soldier who won several accolades during his time in the army where he rose through the ranks to the rank of lieutenant general upon retirement.- The Herald