PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged public office bearers and security agents to emulate the humility, discipline and commitment of the late national hero, Major General (Retired) Godfrey Chanakira.
He was speaking at the burial of the late National hero at the National Heroes Acre in Harare this Thursday.
The late hero, whose Chimurenga name was Garikai Musavengana, succumbed to a heart condition on May 26.
Addressing mourners, President Emmerson Mnangagwa called upon the civil service and security establishment to emulate the worth ethic of the late national hero.
“The late national hero Major General Chanakira will be fondly remembered for his humility, discipline, hard-honest work and commitment to duty,” said President Mnangagwa.
“These cardinal virtues must be emulated by both those in the Public Service and our country’s security establishments. As we lay to rest the late National Hero Major General Godfrey Chanakira at this sacred shrine, let us recommit ourselves as a nation to the defence and preservation of our revolution, independence, freedom and democracy.
“The flames of unity, peace, non-violence, love and respect must continue to be at the centre of our interactions at every level and across communities,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also stressed the need for the criminal justice system to decisively deal with cases of armed robbery and ritual murder which have been on the increase.
“I am, however, concerned about the rising cases of armed robberies and ritual murders occurring in our country. I, thus, exhort stakeholders in criminal justice to speedily deal with these emerging negative trends. Equally worrisome are road traffic accidents on our major highways. I call upon drivers to always exercise extreme caution,” he said.
Zimbabweans were also implored to remain vigilant against Covid-19 during this winter period.
“I applaud the nation for the positive milestones we continue to witness in mitigating the spread and effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, in the face of the cold winter which is now upon us, I urge the nation to persistently adhere to the Covid-19 protocols and above all, to get vaccinated,” said the President.
Major General Chanakira earned several accolades during his illustrious career in the security services and as a civil servant.
At the time of his death, he was the Permanent Secretary in the Office of Vice President, General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga.
