By Cuthbert Mashoko
MWENEZI-Decorated liberation war hero, Saul Zvipamhe who died on 8 April 2026 at Masvingo Provincial Hospital was laid to rest on Saturday, 11 April at his homestead in Mwenezi, Umbono Range, Village 1, Stand Number 94.
Mwenezi District Development Coordinator Isaac Mutambara was the Chief Mourner representing Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira.
In his condolence speech, DDC Mutambara hailed the late Zvipamhe for his selfless sacrifice which led him join the liberation struggle in order to free the nation from the jaws of colonialism.
“We are gathered here to pay our last respects to a gallant son of the soil who sacrificed his life for the Independence of this country,” said Mutambara who went on to challenge the audience to preserve the heritage and legacy of what the freedom fighters fought for.
“The Independence of our country came through the barrel of the gun, the land and peace we enjoy today is a product of the sacrifices of people like Cde Zvipamhe and other freedom fighters. Let’s cherish and preserve what they fought for”
The DDC also took time to urge parents in Mwenezi to make an effort to pay their children’s fees.
“As parents we ought to be responsible and one of the ways we can show that is by paying school fees for our children, by failing to pay fees we will be hindering the development of our community which the likes of Cde Zvipamhe dearly and tirelessly worked for ” echoed Mutambara
Mwenezi District Chairperson of War Veterans, Obert Mubaiwa paid tribute to Zvipamhe’s contribution towards the Independence of Zimbabwe. “Today we grief over the passing on of one of our own, a friend of the blood. Together with other war veterans we paid the supreme prize to liberate this country. Let’s cherish and respect the peace we enjoy. To our youths stay away from drugs and substance abuse ” advised Mubaiwa.
Family spokesperson, Bingi Gumbo a retired teacher, elder brother to Zvipamhe, narrated the amicable relationship which existed between him and his late brother.
“He respected me so well, l was a father figure to him. I had to send him to school and it is during his schooling days that he decided to join the liberation struggle. We have lost a family unifier, may his soul rest in peace “
Zvipamhe was born 29 January 1952. He crossed into Mozambique in 1978 to join the liberation struggle. Stayed at Pungwe 2 base and commenced his military training at Takawira 2 Camp and went for further military training in Ethiopia, at Tateck Military Camp.
Upon completion of training, he was deployed to the front in Dande ,Nyakasikana and Mavhuradonha operational areas where he served under the command of Dustet Bhazoka.
In 1980, Zvipamhe was attested in the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) and served for three years until his retirement in 1983.
Zvipamhe is survived by his wife, Mavis Elizabeth Tsumere and eight children.
