Africa Press-Nigeria:
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has sent his condolence message following the death of liberation war veteran and ZIPRA Commander, Cde Stanely Nleya. The ZIPRA cadre who has since been declared a national hero died on Tuesday. Cde Nleya succumbed to a heart disease at United Bulawayo Hospitals where he had been admitted.
In his statement, President Mnangagwa said the death of the veteran freedom fighter after succumbing to a heart condition has left a huge void in our society and has deeply depressed all of those who were with him in the armed struggle for the country’s independence.
The President highlighted that he was part of the pioneering crop of cadres who volunteered and received early military training.
“Cde Nleya’s place and contribution to the national struggle is well recorded and will be remembered and celebrated beyond his sad and untimely departure,” read the President’s statement.
President Mnangagwa noted that many within the current command element, including General Philip Valerio Sibanda, went through the hands of this outstanding liberation fighter whose characteristically selfless active service to our nation continued well into independence.
“Indeed his excelling performance both as a commander and as a leader was shown by his elevation to the ZIPRA high command during the struggle, and by his appointment to command different units of our integrated National Army after independence,” said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa said the loss of Cde Nleya is everyone’s loss which the nation modestly repays by according him the national hero status and by resting him at the national shrine which is reserved for the best and most deserving sons and daughters of our nation.
Cde Nleya’s burial arrangements are yet to be announced. He is survived by three children and two grandchildren. Mourners are gathered at Number 30 New Luveve in Bulawayo.
