HARARE – One of Robert Mugabe’s decorated bodyguards has died suddenly. Cain Chademana (behind Mugabe in picture), a Senior Police Assistant Commissioner and one of Mugabe’s most trusted guards died last Thursday after a short illness.
He was laid to rest Monday at Warren Hills cemetery. Mugabe was said to have been deeply shocked by the sudden death and extended his deepest condolences to the Chademana family, relatives and friends.
Chademana was a veteran of Zimbabwe’s liberation war in the 1970s. Sources said he was a suspect in the leaking of information about the President’s mounting health problems. He has served as aide de camp to President Mugabe for years. He was a decorated officer with several medals in recognition of his service to Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the funeral, assistant director in the President’s Department Albert Ngulube said Chademana’s death was a “heavy blow” not only to the Chademana family, but also to Government. “It will be difficult for us to come to terms with this sad reality,” Ngulube said.
Ngulube dismissed widely held beliefs about the President’s Office as a brutal outfit synonymous with high handed tactics.
“We are not a murderous organization but peace-loving Zimbabweans who are determined to protect our country,” he said. “We also want to retire but we are not sure if the young generation will not sell the country to our enemies.” He is survived by his son Welcome. – The Zimbabwean
