Story by Farai Gwaze
THE body of the late national hero, retired Central Intelligence Organisation Director, Cde Walter Basopo, who passed away in South Africa on Tuesday, has been airlifted from Harare to his rural home in Gutu this Sunday.
The national hero’s body was flown from Charles Gumbo barracks in Harare this Sunday en route to Gutu.
“Cde Basopo’s body is being carried to Gutu, Zvinatsa Primary School, that’s where his body will lay in state. Tomorrow afternoon his body will be carried from Gutu to Chinhoyi to lie in state at his residence where family and friends will congregate. On Tuesday his body will be picked from there to return here on its way to the Heroes acre,” Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage director human resources, Mr Maxwell Muguse said.
Cde Basopo’s contributions during and after the liberation struggle earned him a national hero status.
“His role in the liberation struggle was indelible. His sacrifices for this nation will be remembered by those he leaves behind. He worked hard until this time of being made a national by His Excellency the President Cde ED Munangwa last Friday,” Mr Muguse said.
Cde Basopo joined the liberation struggle in 1976 under ZANLA and underwent military training in Mozambique.
After independence, he served as an intelligence officer and rose through the ranks to become a director.
