By Desire Tshuma
MARONDERA — Senior Zimbabwe National Army officer Colonel Dickson Mlilo, who was born on 19 January 1957 in Gwelutshena, Nkayi District, Matabeleland North Province, will be laid to rest today as a Provincial Hero at the Provincial Heroes Acre in Marondera.
Colonel Mlilo was conferred Provincial Hero status in recognition of his distinguished service to the Zimbabwe National Army and to the nation. He joined the liberation struggle in the 1970s, leaving Rhodesia in early 1977 via Botswana to join the armed struggle.
A full military funeral parade was held in his honour yesterday at Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare, where senior officers, members of the security services, family and comrades gathered to pay final respects. Following the parade, Col. Mlilo’s body was taken to his homestead in Marondera ahead of today’s burial.
Provincial Hero status is accorded to men and women who made significant contributions at provincial and national level. Tributes have described Col. Mlilo as a dedicated officer who served with discipline and commitment.
The burial proceedings are being coordinated by the Zimbabwe National Army together with Mashonaland East provincial authorities and are expected to draw senior government officials, war veterans and members of the community.
The nation joins the Mlilo family, the ZNA and the people of Marondera in mourning Col. Dickson Mlilo.