By Abigirl Tembo
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has consoled the Tongogara family after the death of Conrad Tongogara, son of the late national hero, General Josiah Magama Tongogara.
The 59-year-old Conrad Tongogara succumbed to cancer at the Presidential Guard Hospital in Dzivarasekwa this Monday.
President Mnangagwa, accompanied by his deputy, Vice President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga, Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs, Honourable Oppah Muchinguri and the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, visited the Tongogara family to convey his condolences.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of Conrad as a party and as government. Cde Tongogara was our boss. The only way we can show respect is to do our best with his family, thus we are here to offer our condolences to the family and also offer our assistance,” said the President.
Relatives described Conrad as a leader and a unifier.
“Conrad was someone you could depend on, someone who had everyone’s best interests at heart and was always willing to assist,” said John Tongogara, an uncle.
“He was a leader and knew how to lead the family. We will greatly miss him, his guidance, his love and above all, his presence,” said Davidson David Mazhandu, a nephew.
Conrad joined the Zimbabwe National Army in 1994, holding the rank of Staff Sergeant in the 10 Signals Squadron at what is now the Josiah Magama Tongogara Army Headquarters.
He served as ZANU PF councillor for Gweru Chiwundura district from 2013 to 2018, rising to become chairman of Ward 9.
Mourners are gathered at his Haston Farm in Gweru, where he will be buried on Thursday.
Conrad is survived by his wife Stella and 5 children.
