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Mashudu Netsianda/ Nelias Shiri, Chronicle Reporters
THE late Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) former Deputy Commissioner Moses Griffiths Mpofu who died last Friday has been declared a National Hero.

Cde Mpofu (66) died at the United Bulawayo Hospitals after a long illness.

President Mnangagwa sent Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube yesterday evening to the Mpofu family home in Mahatshula suburb in Bulawayo to deliver the message.

“I have been sent by President Mnangagwa to announce to the family that the Politburo has unanimously resolved to declare Cde Mpofu a National Hero. Starting tomorrow (today), the Government is taking over the funeral arrangements,” she said.

Minister Ncube also expressed her condolences to the family, saying Cde Mpofu was a committed cadre who played a leading role in the liberation of the country.

“We have lost a true cadre who tenaciously fought to liberate our country from colonialism. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere condolences to the Mpofu family on the sad passing on of their beloved one,” she said.

Minister Ncube also read out a letter written by Zanu-PF Secretary for Administration Dr Obert Mpofu stating that President Mnangagwa had conferred Cde Mpofu with National Hero status.

 

“His Excellency, the President and First Secretary of Zanu-PF, Cde ED Mnangagwa has conferred National Hero status to the late retired Deputy Commissioner Cde Moses Griffiths Mpofu who died on 12 February 2021,” read the letter.

Speaking on behalf of the ruling party’s Bulawayo provincial leadership, Zanu-PF Central Committee member and Bulawayo Senator, Cde Molly Mpofu thanked the President for according Cde Mpofu the National Hero status, saying the recognition was testimony to the role he played during the liberation struggle.

“As Zanu-PF we value his immense contributions he exhibited during the liberation struggle which made every one of us to enjoy the prevailing tranquility and independence in the country. The Bulawayo Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) has equally valued the participation of the late Mpofu during the liberation struggle. We are therefore grateful to President Mnangagwa for according Cde Mpofu with the National Hero status,” she said.

She said the late Deputy Commissioner Mpofu was loyal to the revolutionary party.

“Mpofu had never joined any other political party even before independence since his childhood. He joined the liberation struggle under Zapu and fought fearlessly to rescue the country from the hands of the Smith regime. He remained committed to Zanu-PF, joined the police force soon after attainment of independence and continued supporting the party up to the time of his death,” she said.

Family spokesperson, Mr Anderson Ncube said they were saddened by the untimely death of Cde Mpofu whom he described as a father figure who was full of wisdom.

“As a family, we have lost a father, unifier and pillar of strength to the family. He would resolve any challenging family issues in an amicable way,” he said.

Mr Ncube said Cde Mpofu will be buried at the National Heroes’ Acre in Harare on a date to be announced.

Earlier this week, National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said while still in the police force, the late national hero was an astute cop. Asst Comm Nyathi said Cde Mpofu served in the police force between 1981 and 2003, having been part of the Zapu intelligence wing during the liberation struggle which he joined in 1975.

He joined the police service in 1981 as a patrol officer and was posted at Mphoengs after training. He served at a number of stations across the country including Mayobodo, Fort Rixon, Esigodini, Gwanda, Bulawayo Central and Harare province.

Asst Comm Nyathi said:
“He was an astute and disciplined officer who excelled in his career and rose through the ranks to the rank of Deputy Commissioner in 1999 a rank which he held until his retirement in December in 2003.”

He added: “A veteran of the liberation struggle of Zimbabwe, he crossed the border to Zambia under Zimbabwe People’s Republic Army (ZIPRA) banner in 1975 and received military training at Mwembeshi in Zambia and later Mgagao and Morogoro in Tanzania. His nom de guerre Matswata Witness Mhlanga.

“After training, the late veteran was deployed in Zambia under the Zapu intelligence wing, National Security Order, a counter-intelligence agency against Rhodesian forces. The late Deputy Commissioner Mpofu underwent several police command related courses between 1978 and 1979 at the Novocherkassk Advanced Police Academy in the United Soviet Social Republic (USSR).”

The late National Hero did his primary education at Nsezi Primary School in Tsholotsho in Matabeleland North before moving to Thegwani High School where he completed his secondary education.

Mourners are gathered at House Number 130 Mahatshula in Bulawayo.

The late war veteran is survived by wife Sibonile Khumalo and four children.