No Heroes Acre for Phelekezela Mphoko? Family Reveals Late VP’s Final Wish

No Heroes Acre for Mphoko? Late VP’s Burial Wish Confirmed

Former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko, who passed away at 84 while receiving treatment in India, might not be buried at the National Heroes Acre. His family has disclosed that his wish was to be laid to rest at his plot in Douglasdale, Bulawayo and not at the national shrine.

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Family Speaks Out

Ndaba Mphoko, the late VP’s brother and family spokesperson, told ZimLive that they intend to honour Mphoko’s wishes.

“He expressed his desire to be buried at his plot,” Ndaba said. “This has been communicated to the government, and we may follow up with formal written communication to confirm the arrangement.”

Mphoko was declared a national hero shortly after his death, granting him the honour of being interred at the national shrine in Harare. However, Ndaba explained that the final decision lies with the government and the family.

“This is now a dual responsibility between the government and the family,” he added.

When asked why Mphoko opted for burial at his plot instead of the Heroes Acre, Ndaba admitted he was uncertain.

“That was his wish, and I am not in a position to know how he came up with that decision. He did not tell me,” he said.

CITE: Mphoko’s Burial Confirmed

Online publication CITE reported with certainty that the late VP would be buried at his plot in Douglasdale.

“According to the Mphoko family, the late Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko will be laid to rest at his home, Plot 19 Bulawayo Drive Douglasdale, as per his wishes,” CITE declared.

The family’s stance seems firm, leaving the government to make the next move in addressing the burial plans

A Growing Trend Among Liberation Heroes

If Mphoko is buried at his preferred location, he will join a growing list of liberation war figures who have opted out of burial at the National Heroes Acre.

The late former President Robert Mugabe famously refused to be buried at the national shrine, instead choosing his rural home in Zvimba.

Other notable figures who rejected burial at the Heroes Acre include Dumiso Dabengwa and Welshman Mabhena.