Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
THE family of National Hero, Cde Elson Mupamaonde, has paid tribute to him as a liberation icon and devoted family man, as mourners continue to reflect on his life and legacy.
ZBC News visited the family’s Chipiri Farm in Centenary on Wednesday, where relatives described him as a pillar of strength and a unifying figure.
“My uncle was a true hero, a liberation fighter, we loved him dearly,” nephew Thomas Muguti said.
“I am in pain following the passing on of my father, we lived well together, we had good times together,” daughter Tatiana Mupamaonde added.
“I am deeply saddened by my father’s death. He was a good man and taught me many valuable lessons,” daughter Monalisa Mupamaonde said.
Family spokesperson, Peter Mushayavanhu, said the recognition of national hero status had brought some comfort during a difficult time.
“A dark cloud hangs over us. We are in mourning and still trying to come to terms with our loss. We are comforted through the granting of national hero status.”
Born in 1950 in Sohwe, Muzarabani, Cde Mupamaonde joined the liberation struggle in 1972, crossing into Zambia via Botswana.
He later underwent military training in Morogoro in 1973 before being selected for specialised artillery training in Ukraine in January 1974 under the leadership of Cde Alfred Nikita Mangena.
Upon returning home in December 1975, he applied his expertise during the liberation struggle, including the shooting down of an Air Rhodesia Viscount aircraft on 12 February 1979.
His body is expected to be flown from Bindura to Sohwe, Muzarabani this Friday, where it will lie in state until Sunday.
On Sunday, it will be flown to Charles Gumbo Barracks ahead of burial at the National Heroes Acre on Monday.
