Lovemore Kadzura: Post Correspondent

CONFUSION marred the burial of prominent Zanu-PF Makoni Rural District Council councillor and war veteran, Alderman Samuel Bakare, yesterday as war veterans insulted each other on apparent factional lines, disrupting the smooth flow of graveside proceedings.Some of the war veterans heckled and insulted provincial leader of the association’s alleged splinter group, Cde Robert Gumbo, as he was about to give his graveside speech.

Cde Bakare, who represented Ward 17 in Makoni RDC, died in a road accident in Kwekwe on December 31, 2016. He was 63.

The drama started when the master of ceremonies and MRDC chief executive officer, Mr Edward Pise invited a representative of the liberation fighters to give a farewell speech.

At this point, Cdes Gumbo and Musindo Sendekera all stood up to speak, creating an impasse. Some of the war veterans started shouting that they did not recognize Cde Gumbo as their leader and demanded that he gives the podium to Cde Sendekera.

Mr Pise found himself between a hard surface and a rock as he did not know who to handover the microphone.

The Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Cde Mandi Chimene quickly intervened and ordered Cde Gumbo to address the mourners much to the chagrin of some of the war veterans who went on to disrupted his address.

They jeered and booed each time he spoke and he had to cut short his speech. Addressing the mourners, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Cde Patrick Chinamasa, who is also Makoni Central legislator, said he was shocked by the level of disunity among the war veterans.

He urged them to unite as they are the cornerstones of the ruling party.

“Cde Bakare was a person who wanted unity but what is happening here is shocking. War veterans you are the cornerstone of the party. These endless fights expose the party,” he said.

To tone down the tampers and foster unity, Cde Mandi Chimene invited all the liberation war fighters to join her in singing Chimurenga songs before her address.

In her address she reiterated Cde Chinamasa’s words and emphasised the need for unity among the war veterans. She said she was ready for a round table discussion with all the war veterans and invited them to her office.

“Cde Chinamasa you were shocked by what transpired here but, as for me, I am very happy because it has showed us how divided our comrades are. Let’s bury Cde Bakare well. What if he wakes up and finds us fighting at his funeral. Let’s not demean him and his contribution; he was among the pioneer fighters.

“Please let’s find each other we are all comrades. Let’s not give space to anyone who wants to divide us. I know some of you don’t like me but I like you all. Cde Sendekera we worked well before, fighting Didymus Mutasa but what is happening now. Come to my office and let’s talk. My office is open to everyone,” she said.