Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
LIBERATION war hero Lieutenant Colonel Dickson Muriro, who died on July 8, was laid to rest at the Mashonaland East Provincial Heroes Acre in Marondera.
Lieutenant Colonel Muriro, a decorated soldier who served during the liberation struggle and later participated in military operations in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), died at the Combat Group of Hospitals in Masvingo.
Family representative Mr Alex Muriro described the late liberation war hero as a unifier whose legacy transformed the lives of many relatives.
“We thank the Government of Zimbabwe for conferring our brother with provincial hero status. Dickson was injured in 1977 and went to Mozambique while wearing a plaster. When he returned from the war, he focused on empowering family members. The degrees we have and what we have are a result of his support. He was a unifier and a source of inspiration for the family,” he said.
Mashonaland East War Veterans League Chairperson, Retired Major Daniel Matengo, who served alongside Lieutenant Colonel Muriro, praised his contribution during and after the liberation struggle.
“The late Muriro went to war in 1977 and later proceeded to Libya. We served together during the Mozambican and DRC campaigns, and he trained many officers. He made significant contributions during the war and after Independence,” he said.
Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, said the late liberation war hero dedicated his life to defending Zimbabwe and promoting regional peace.
“Lieutenant Colonel Muriro joined the liberation struggle in Mozambique in 1977 before proceeding to Libya for military training in 1979. In 1984, he joined the Zimbabwe National Army and rose through the ranks to become a Lieutenant Colonel. His life teaches us that success comes through discipline, dedication, sacrifice, hard work and love for one’s country. Let us safeguard the gains of the liberation struggle,” he said.
Born in 1962, Lieutenant Colonel Muriro joined the liberation struggle in 1977 before receiving military training in Libya in 1979.
After Independence, he enlisted in the Zimbabwe National Army as a private soldier and rose through the ranks to become Lieutenant Colonel.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs Verna Muriro, and three children.
