The nation is mourning the passing of National Hero Cosmas Chirinda, with preparations underway for his final journey as family, government officials and citizens gather to pay tribute to a liberation stalwart whose life was dedicated to the service of Zimbabwe.
According to the official programme, the body of the late national hero will be airlifted on Sunday, 15 March 2026 at 09:00 from Charles Gumbo Barracks, formerly known as 1 Commando Barracks, to his rural home in Kanyuru Village under Chief Saunyama in Nyanga, where relatives, friends and community members are expected to gather to receive the body.
A church service will be held at the family homestead at 10:00, lasting approximately one hour, allowing mourners to honour and celebrate the life of the departed hero before the body proceeds to the next stage of the programme.
Following the service, the body will be airlifted to Rusape, where a provincial programme will be held at Backshill Farm, also known locally as Pa DA Rusape or Lionshead. The event will be led by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, bringing together provincial leadership and members of the public to honour the contribution of the late national hero.
During this period, the body will lie in state at the farm, providing an opportunity for the public to pay their last respects to the liberation icon whose life reflected dedication to the ideals of the liberation struggle and national development.
The late Cosmas Chirinda will be laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre in Harare on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, where the nation will bid its final farewell to one of its distinguished sons.
As Zimbabwe mourns the loss of Cde Chirinda, many remember him as a committed patriot whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations to serve the nation with dedication, unity and sacrifice.
