Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai joined thousands of Zimbabweans and other foreign dignitaries in laying to rest Vice President, John Landa Nkomo.

VP Nkomo declared a national hero, died last week after succumbing to cancer.

Even in his death, Nkomo, described by many as a unifier was sent off by senior MDC party officials as well as SADC leaders, among them Kgalema Motlanthe, South Africa's Vice President, Namibian Prime Minister Hage Geingob and Zambian Vice President Guy Scott.

VP Nkomo who had been hailed as peacemaker across the political divide was also the Chairperson of the Organ of National Healing and Reconciliation together with Amai Sekai Holland of the MDCT.

Addressing mourners, President Robert Mugabe called for peace as the country heads for elections.

"As the country prepares for elections this year peace and more peace should prevail in the country. We want peaceful elections and let us carry this message of peace to our parties," he said.

"We want peaceful elections and our heroes will turn in their graves if we keep on fighting over petty issues. Peace begins with you, peace also begins with me Robert Mugabe and peace begins with all of us here," Mugabe added.

Mugabe added that VP Nkomo was a peacemaker and unifier who facilitated the formation of the inclusive government.

"VP Nkomo was a peacemaker and a unifier, even where he differed with others politically. He also played a role during the formation of the inclusive government, "Mugabe said.