A retired general who fought in the liberation war was buried with full military honors. Brigadier-General Mathias Tizirai Ngarava, also known by his Chimurenga name Elias Chimurenga, died on Christmas Day at age sixty-six. A somber funeral parade was held at Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare, attended by Zimbabwe National Army Commander Lieutenant-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi as the chief mourner. Tapfumaneyi praised the late general as a loyal and patriotic icon, calling on the nation to uphold the values he fought for.
Ngarava was born in the Chivi district and left school in 1976 to join the struggle. He crossed into Mozambique, trained in Syria in 1979, and operated in Gaza Province until independence. He integrated into the Zimbabwe National Army in 1981, rising from sergeant to brigadier-general through various command roles. He retired last year and is survived by two wives, Winnet and Loveness, and five children. Mourners are gathered at his home in Chinhoyi while burial details are finalized.
Ngarava was born in the Chivi district and left school in 1976 to join the struggle. He crossed into Mozambique, trained in Syria in 1979, and operated in Gaza Province until independence. He integrated into the Zimbabwe National Army in 1981, rising from sergeant to brigadier-general through various command roles. He retired last year and is survived by two wives, Winnet and Loveness, and five children. Mourners are gathered at his home in Chinhoyi while burial details are finalized.
