One of the longest-serving Chiefs in the country, Chief Vezi Maduna Mafu has died at the age of 86.

Chief Maduna passed away at his Avoca homestead in Filabusi (Insiza), Matabeleland South province.

He had been recovering at home from a stroke he suffered in 2019.

David Coltart said Zimbabwe has lost a lion hearted leader who put his life first.

“My sincere condolences are extended to Chief Vezi Manduna Mafu’s family, friends and you Chief Khayisa. It was a privilege being able to represent Chief Mafu recently. May his dear soul rest in peace. #Zimbabwe has lost a lion hearted leader who put his people first”, he wrote.

Maduna was a liberation war icon who actively participated in the liberation struggle under the Zipra wing.

Before Independence, Chief Maduna was detained for years for his involvement in the nationalist movement in the 1960s and 1970s.

During the Pearce Commission of 1972, which was an attempt by both the British and Ian Smith to legitimise Rhodesia’s Unilateral Declaration of Independence, Chief Maduna led his people in Insiza District to reject the commission.

His political activities led to the Rhodesian government arresting and detaining him in 1976, where he spent most of his time in solitary confinement and was only released during the ceasefire period.

Burial proceedings have not been revealed yet.