Zimbabwe’s former President Robert Mugabe has been laid to rest in his hometown rural village of Kutama.
The former President who died at the age of 95 was interred at his Kutama Mission homestead in Zvimba alongside his late mother, Bona, and brothers — Albert and Donato.
The burial of Mugabe’s body delayed after a state funeral was held on September, 14 because of the row over his resting place.
The Zimbabwean government had insisted that the remains of the ex-President be interred at the Heroes Acre – a national monument and burial ground.
But the family has opposed the decision, insisting that was not the wish of Mr. Mugabe.
At Kutama Village Zvimba, final moments at the burial of the late former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe. A modest crowd befitting the wishes of the family for a private burial ceremony. pic.twitter.com/IUSVsL5aUz
— Privilege Musvanhiri (@Musvanhiri) September 28, 2019
Although the Mugabe family subsequently softened its stance after it was agreed that a mausoleum would be built for the former leader, the government has now backtracked.
In a statement published on Thursday, Information Minister Nick Mangwana said the change was in line with policy “to respect the wishes of families of deceased heroes”.
A modest crowd gathered in his hometown for a pre-final funeral rites before his burial.
Sister to Grace Mugabe, Shuvai Gumbochuma says Robert Mugabe said he did not want to be buried at the National Heroes acre because he says he was demeaned following the November 2017 military overthrow. #RIPRobertMugabe pic.twitter.com/7L6k2mpYPQ
— Privilege Musvanhiri (@Musvanhiri) September 28, 2019
Mugabe who ruled for almost four decades died in Singapore in September while receiving treatment for cancer.
He led Zimbabwe to independence in 1980 and ruled the country for 37 years until he resigned in November 2017.
Robert Mugabe first served as prime minister of Zimbabwe from 1980 to 1987 and then as president from 1987 to 2017.
Source: Africafeeds.com
