Takavada, who was declared a provincial liberation war hero, was buried last Wednesday. We were shocked to see soldiers clad in their army regalia invading all streets, forcing people including children to go to the funeral. We had no option besides quitting everything we were doing, Radio VOP quoted an unnamed resident as saying. We were afraid that failure to go there would provoke the gunmen thereby risking our safety, another resident told the radio.
The soldiers, who according to the radio, were reportedly acting on the orders of Masvingo Provincial Governor Titus Maluleke rounded up residents from the suburbs of Mucheke, Runyararo West and Hillside to attend Takavadas burial. Maluleke declined to comment on the matter, allegedly switching off his phone when he was contacted by Radio VOP. Takavada was infamous for victimising opposition supporters in Masvingo.