A Heartfelt Farewell to a Steadfast Hero: Remembering Director Walter Basopo

By Dr. Masimba Mavaza

Death has claimed Director Walter Basopo and plunged a deluge of profound grief into our hearts, which is like the ground crumbling under our feet. Words are not adequate enough to convey that a great man had passed away; our hero no longer with us.

Death’s cruel hand has struck once more, this time taking away the life of Mukoma Walter Basopo, a war veteran and recently retired Director of Counter Intelligence in the Office of the President. He passed away at Life Groenkloof Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, on Tuesday, 22nd April, just two months after his retirement.

In the President’s Office, Director Basopo, widely known during the liberation struggle as Gerry Dzasukwa, is a patriot and a fearless hero. He dedicated his life to his country for 66 years. Cde Basopo lost his brother and a dear brother to all, Mukoma Prosper Basopo few years back. Tragedy remained in the Basopo family as Prosper’s Wife followed soon after. The whole family has served the government till their death. Faustina served the nation in the health sector and Prosper had a career as a diplomat. Walter Basopo’s path was started at Masema Primary School and proceeded at Mzingwane Secondary School.

The death of a leader who remained strong in the defense of his nation shakes the ground for those left behind. Now, accolades and heartfelt eulogies by political and military leaders alike attest to Walter’s deep love for his nation. For one brief moment, a grieving nation stands in respect for this fallen warrior, whose unwavering patriotism and bravery will continue to unite and inspire us to all eternity. Though other lives may go on in haste, for Basopo’s family, the real battle against sorrow has only just began. Director Basopo’s distinguished career orleaves a significant void, his death deeply felt by colleagues and generations of war veterans. The family is now left to face the enormous challenge of coping with their loss and rebuilding their lives.

Upon hearing of Cde Basopo’s death, the Director General of the CIO, Cde Fulton Mangwanya, was visibly shaken, referring to him as “among the finest intelligence commanders” whose “integrity and humility endeared [him] to all.” He mentioned Basopo’s greatest contribution in the form of being a mentor to many of the best officers currently serving, a testament to his long-lasting leadership. Heartfelt condolences were sent to the family, praying that they were provided with strength during this period of adversity.

Cde Basopo’s initial experience of the atrocities of the Rhodesian government fueled his spirit of liberation. He opted for service rather than self and enlisted in the ZANLA armed struggle in Mozambique in June 1976. He was trained at Chibawawa and Tembwe camps and became a determined freedom fighter. He later served in ZANLA’s Security Department in Manica Province with the late Cde Vitalis Zvinavashe.

His passing leaves an irreparable void and an abiding, incomprehensible grief. April 22nd was a black day IN Zimbabwe and especially for ZANU PF, having lost a true patriot, a brave freedom fighter, a leader, a committed operative, an honest member, and a beloved son of the land: Walter Basopo. The trauma is immense, more so to those who lived and worked with him on a daily basis.

We are today grieving the loss of a giant hero of our struggle for liberation and a milestone in our country’s history. We are grieving this sad loss as Zimbabweans.

For his wisdom, as a reward, Cde Basopo was chosen to undergo additional training in Yugoslavia in 1979. Sadly, while traveling back from Maputo to go for medical tests, he was in a fatal road accident and had his arm amputated as a lasting remembrance of his dedication. Still, he came back home the same year to head ZANU’s political operations in Mhondoro.

Basopo was never to waver in his commitment. He started in 1980 at the President’s Office, starting a illustrious decades-long service in intelligence that culminated in the appointment in 2022 as Director of Counter Intelligence.

The death of Walter Basopo marks an end to 45 years of rich intelligence experience. He was a rock of strength, hope, and perseverance even in adversity. His optimistic attitude had a lasting impact on all those with whom he came into contact.

True success is not in terms of wealth but the effect we have on people, our principles, and what we do for society. Basopo was not necessarily a household name, but his presence was key in liberating a nation. He deserves to be remembered as an unknown hero, a man of immense principles who made a difference in the lives of many.

Rest in Power, dear Mukoma Basopo, Mhofu Museyamwa Shava ye va Hera vanoera. Fare thee well.