Military chiefs held a special funeral parade for war hero Colonel Retired Claudious Makova at 4 Infantry Brigade in Masvingo yesterday. The army bigwigs called the dead officer a true patriot who never stopped fighting for his country. Major General Simo Maseko ran the ceremony and praised Makova as a dedicated soldier who served Zimbabwe until he died. The general said Makova left behind a legacy of excellence that other officers should follow. He fought in the liberation war and kept defending Zimbabwe after independence ended.
The colonel's family said they lost their strongest supporter and the person who kept everyone together. His son Oliver told reporters that his father worked hard to educate many relatives and always stayed honest. The family thanked the army and government for giving their dad such a big honor. They called him a principled man who never gave up on helping others succeed.
Makova started life in Bikita back in 1949 and joined the freedom fighters in 1977 when he went to Mozambique. He trained in Tanzania and became an instructor at Nachingeta Training Camp before going to Romania for more military education. After Zimbabwe got independence he joined the national army in 1982 and climbed the ranks to become a colonel. He spent years working in public relations and became the director in 1994 until he retired.
The war veteran died July 6 at his farm in Chiredzi and left behind his wife Georgina plus six kids. His burial happens Friday at the family farm in Mkwasine area.
The colonel's family said they lost their strongest supporter and the person who kept everyone together. His son Oliver told reporters that his father worked hard to educate many relatives and always stayed honest. The family thanked the army and government for giving their dad such a big honor. They called him a principled man who never gave up on helping others succeed.
Makova started life in Bikita back in 1949 and joined the freedom fighters in 1977 when he went to Mozambique. He trained in Tanzania and became an instructor at Nachingeta Training Camp before going to Romania for more military education. After Zimbabwe got independence he joined the national army in 1982 and climbed the ranks to become a colonel. He spent years working in public relations and became the director in 1994 until he retired.
The war veteran died July 6 at his farm in Chiredzi and left behind his wife Georgina plus six kids. His burial happens Friday at the family farm in Mkwasine area.
