President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa will preside over the burial of the late National Hero, Brigadier General (Retired) Samuel Mpabanga, at the National Heroes Acre on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage confirmed the arrangements in a statement, saying, “The late National Hero, Brigadier General (Rtd) Samuel Mpabanga will be laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre on Wednesday, the 18th of February 2026. His Excellency, The President, Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa will preside over this burial.”
According to the Ministry, mourners are gathered at 4 McGee Road in Bulawayo, while a series of ceremonial body movements have been scheduled to allow family, comrades and the public to pay their respects.
“Today from 1000hrs, the remains of the Late National Hero were ferried to Plot 20 Jannee Farm in West Nicholson for a brief ceremony,” the statement read.
It added that the cortege would then proceed to his rural home.
“The cortege will depart from the Farm at 1200hrs for his rural homestead in Mapate Village in Gwanda South where a church service will be held in his honour.”
The remains are expected back in Bulawayo later today, where he will lie in state at Doves Funeral Parlour.
On Tuesday, February 17, the body will be airlifted to Charles Gumbo Barracks to lie in state once more ahead of the State-assisted burial.
The Ministry said, “Burial proceedings will commence on Wednesday, the 18th of February 2026 and mourners are expected to be seated by 0700hrs.”
Brigadier General Mpabanga was declared a National Hero in recognition of his contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and service to the nation.
By Jeremiah Gora
