Bridget Mugabe burial set for Tuesday

HARARE – President Robert Mugabe’s sister Bridget Zvenhamo Mugabe, who died Sunday morning will be buried in Zvimba on Tuesday. 

The 78 year old succumbed to heart failure after spending nearly 4 years in a coma at Parirenyatwa Hospital. This was after she collapsed at the burial of her sister Sabina at the National Heroes Acre in 2010.

A frail looking President Mugabe slumped on a sofa was filmed publicly for the first time since he sneaked back into country from Singapore where he spent part of his annual holiday. Relatives and friends yesterday gathered at State House where they paid condolences to the First Family.

Acting President Joice Mujuru, Ministers Didymus Mutasa (Presidential Affairs), Walter Chidhakwa (Mines and Mining Development), Sydney Sekeremayi (Defence) and service chiefs were among the mourners.

Family spokesperson Mr Kaitano Mugabe described Bridget as a woman of rare character who was fearless and courageous. Her death, he said, had left a void in the family and her legacy would be forever cherished.

“During the liberation struggle when President Mugabe and his brother (Donato) were in prison, she paid school fees for the children,” he said.

“It was difficult for her but she did her best together with her sister Sabina who died in 2010. In the early 1960s, she was an active member of Zanu and she contributed immensely to the liberation struggle.”

Kaitano Mugabe said Bridget trained as a Science teacher and taught at Ngezi and St Michael’s among other schools, adding that although they lost a beloved family member, they were happy that she had played her part.

“Obviously as a family we are aggrieved but God has done his will. We thank God for the time she spent with us. I think she will rest in peace because she played her part,” he said.

Bridget is survived by daughter Lorraine and several grand children.