Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
LIBERATION war hero Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Bernard Million Kapamutengo, who died on Thursday last week, has been laid to rest at Rocky Spruit Farm in Bindura.
Hundreds of mourners gathered in Bindura to pay their last respects, with relatives describing him as a kind and loving family man who related well with everyone he met.
“The death of my father has deeply saddened us. We are at a loss, but we look up to God for comfort,” said his child.
“We are mourning the loss of my uncle, but at the same time we celebrate his life of sacrifice. He was a brave fighter, and we thank His Excellency Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa for bestowing him hero status,” said a relative.
War veterans recalled the late soldier’s bravery during the liberation struggle and his pivotal role in the land reform programme after independence.
“I first met him in 1972, before we joined the liberation struggle in 1973. He was a brave man who fought to liberate our country. Later, we met after independence as we were both involved in farming,” said ZANU PF Mashonaland Central War Veterans League provincial chairperson Cde Martin Kwainona.
“He was a man who interacted with everyone. People knew Col Kapamutengo. He took part in the liberation war, and during the land reform programme he played a leading role. He directed us to which farms to go to, who to take, and who to give,” said war veteran Cde John Muchavepi.
Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Christopher Magomo paid tribute to Cde Kapamutengo, describing him as a patriot, liberation fighter and nation builder.
“It is with a heavy heart yet immense pride that we gather here to lay to rest Lt Col (Rtd) Bernard Million Kapamutengo. We are not only in mourning, but celebrating a life well lived. The late Cde Kapamutengo was a liberation fighter, a patriot and a nation builder,” he said.
Born in 1957, Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) Kapamutengo, whose Chimurenga name was Cde Thomas Gugudzai, crossed into Mozambique in 1973 for military training before proceeding to Yugoslavia in 1979.
He was subsequently deployed to Gaza Province Sectors Three and Four, with operational responsibilities in Chiredzi, Tuli and Beitbridge.
He rose to the rank of detachment commander and continued to serve in the military after independence, later serving as Zimbabwe Military Attaché to Botswana.
Beyond military service, Lt Col (Rtd) Kapamutengo was committed to national development and was seconded to Mashonaland Central to supervise the Land Reform Programme.
He retired from the Zimbabwe National Army in 2005 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
He is survived by his wife, two children and several grandchildren.
