Harare — Zimbabwe Defence Forces Headquarters Warrant Officer Class Two, Edward Chitenderu, who was supervisor information technology operations and plans has died.

He was 51. Chitenderu, whose Chimurenga name was Rufaro Mushambi died last Thursday at his Kuwadzana 1 home after a long illness. He was declared a provincial hero and would be buried tomorrow at the Harare Provincial Heroes Acre.

Chitenderu was born on April 14, 1958 in Mutare District and did his primary education at Rowa Primary School, before proceeding to Mutambara High School for secondary education.

He left the country to join the liberation struggle in Mozambique in December 1975 and became a dedicated member of the Zanla forces. After independence, he was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army on October 8, 1981 as a private.

During his service, he attended various military courses which were rewarded with several promotions up to the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two, the rank he held up to the time of his death.

He also held various appointments such as the Signal and Battery Administration, non commissioned officer with Air Defence Regiment, Supervisor Two with Army Data Processing Unit and typist supervisor with the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Headquarters, a position he held until his death.

His long and distinguished service saw him being awarded the Liberation, Independence, 10 years service, long and exemplary service award, the Mozambique and Democratic Republic of Congo Campaign medals. Chitenderu is survived by wife Ellen and three children.

Mourners are gathered at number 10414B Kuwadzana 1.