Story by Peter Chivhima
AIR Commodore (Retired) Simon Brian Bere, who died on April 24, has been declared a national hero.
The message on the conferment of the national hero status was conveyed to the family this Thursday evening by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, who was accompanied by Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Emmanuel Matatu and senior army and Air Force officers.
He said Air Commodore (Rtd) Bere was a distinguished military man who served his nation with unparalleled patriotism.
The Bere family said it is honoured to have one of their own conferred with the National hero status.
He was born in Hurungwe, Mashonaland West Province, in 1959.
Air Commodore (Rtd) Bere did his primary education at Chiroti and Matau Primary Schools in the same province.
After primary school, Air Commodore (Rtd) Bere proceeded to Ascot in Gweru for his secondary education.
The national hero joined the liberation struggle together with other cadres in 1978 and received military training in Mozambique.
He was later assigned to the Education Department.
Air Commodore (Rtd) Bere returned to Zimbabwe in 1981 and was attested into the Air Force of Zimbabwe as an Aircraftsman.
Through hard work, the distinguished Air Officer rose through the ranks to Group Captain.
He retired from the active service in 2024, before he was elevated to the rank of Air Commodore on retirement.
The national hero will be buried on Monday at the National Heroes Acre.
The decorated officer is survived by his wife Reginah and three children.
Mourners are gathered at House number 2851 Jeansway in Bluffhill, Harare.
