President Mugabe consoles Shiri family: The Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Robert Mugabe says no amount of pressure will make his party and government bow to demands for security sector reforms. Addressing mourners at the Shiri home in Borrowdale, Harare which he visited to console the family after the death of Titus Takudzwa Chikerema who died on Sunday, President Mugabe explained the long and painful path of the liberation struggle that the senior members of the security sector travelled for the country to be where it is today. Titus is the son of Air Force of Zimbabwe Commander, Air Marshal Perence Shiri. President Mugabe said Air Marshal Shiri joined the struggle at a tender age and grew up in the struggle all for the love and dedication to his country and for the good of all Zimbabweans. They grew up in the war, with nowhere to say this is my place. Now you are calling for security sector reforms to remove those who brought independence, when you are just a nobody, who refused to join the liberation struggle, said Cde Mugabe. He explained that the liberation war cadres fought not only for political independence but also to ensure that future generations enjoy total independence through the liberation of the land and total ownership of its resources. He narrated how he went to Mozambique after Air Marshal Shiri and Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander, General Constantine Chiwenga were already in Mgagao, Tanzania. The President said the security services sector is working to maintain peace and security, and preserve the country’s independence and those who propose security sector reforms have no right to undermine their work. He said he understands the Shiri loss, as someone who also lost a child during his first marriage when he was in prison, adding that the family should take comfort in the fact that the country’s leadership, friends and relatives are united in prayer. Fellow service chiefs, ZRP Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri, General Chiwenga, ZPS Commissioner General Paradzayi Zimondi, cabinet ministers and representatives of the business community converged at the Shiri family home to convey their condolences. The late Titus, who was 21 years old, was first diagnosed with cancer of the spinal chord five years ago. His condition deteriorated three months ago when he was diagnosed with lung cancer, leading to his death last Sunday. Titus will be buried at the family home in Chikomba at 11am on Wednesday.
Posted on: Tue, 22 Oct 2013 19:26:54 +0000
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