The Commander Zimbabwe National Army, General Edzai Chimonyo has died.
This was announced by Presidential spokesperson, Mr George Charamba through his twitter handle.
Mr Charamba said General Chimonyo died after a long battle with cancer.
“Devastated to announce the passing on of General Chimonyo early this morning after a long fight against cancer. go well freedom fighter, Commander and Ambassador,” he wrote.
However, a number of social media users expressed no remorse over the death of the general, accusing the deceased for contributing to the Gukurahundi that saw many defenseless Zimbabweans massacred in the mid 80s.
Below are some of the comments on Charamba’s post.
“Commander of 5th brigade that unleashed gukurahundi dnt leave that part out.” Vusumuzu
“Gukurahundist. Who gave his best in killing our people.” Msizi Moyo
“The second commander of the 5th brigade after Perence Shiri. Sadly he dies without facing justice for his role in murdering defenceless women, men and children under the guise of hunting dissidents.” Mlungisi Dube
“Gukurahundist. Sad that he went without answering for his criminal actions.” NguniGrandmaster.
“Sorry for your loss but most of us who are suffering at the hands of these guys we can say, thank you God.” T Gono
Meanwhile, the late general was also nicknamed the butcher of Bhalagwe at the height of the Gukurahundi masacres which claimed the lives of over 20 000 lives of un armed people in the Midlands and Matabeleland Province.
Given his position in the army and his role in the liberation struggle, the commander is likely to be declared a National Hero.