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Francis Zimuto aka Black Jesus

Walter Mswazie, Masvingo Correspondent
LIBERATION war hero Francis Zimuto who was popularly known as Black Jesus is expected to be buried tomorrow at his rural home in Gutu.

Cde Zimuto (62) died on Wednesday at his rural home in Mugoni Village under Chief Makore’s area following a long illness.

Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association provincial chairman Cde Tendeukai Chinooneka said the late Cde Zimuto was supposed to be buried at Masvingo Provincial Heroes Acre but his family requested that he be buried at his rural home.

He said senior Government officials are expected to attend the burial. Chinooneka said Black Jesus played a pivotal role during and after the liberation struggle. He challenged war veterans to emulate the late Cde Zimuto who remained steadfast and resolute in defending the gains of independence in the face of adversity.

“We are going to lay to rest one of our former gallant fighters, Black Jesus on Sunday at his rural home in Mugoni Village under Chief Makore in Gutu. We are happy that he has been accorded the liberation war hero status,” said Cde Chinooneka.

He said the late Cde Zimuto, who was also Masvingo national youth service provincial commandant as well as national secretary for environment in the war veterans association, always wanted to be buried beside his late father at his rural home.

“Nationally, Cde Zimuto was known because he is the pioneer of land reform after he became the first former freedom fighter to take a farm belonging to a white man,” he said. Cde Zimuto is survived by five children — @walterbmswazie2.