Latwell Nyangu
MUSICIAN Garry Mapanzure was laid to rest at Lawn Cemetery in Masvingo yesterday.
The 25-year-old was involved in a horrific car accident on Thursday along the Beitbridge-Masvingo highway and passed away the following day at a local hospital.
He was in the company of his sister, Margret Zigomo, who is admitted to Masvingo Provincial Hospital.
Margret’s child died on the spot, and her friend Respina Machokoto (21) is also in hospital.
Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) law student and Garry’s friend, Langton Madima (27), also died on the spot.
Garry’s family and friends mourned his loss, describing him as a joyful and passionate person who had used his gifts and talents fully.
Garry’s siblings expressed their grief and disbelief at his sudden passing.
Garry’s sister, Kudzai, said:
“He would say sisi vangu, and you would think you were the only one, yet there are many of us. I don’t know what happens after life, but I hope he will meet dad in Heaven.
“Garry, I don’t know what to say. I never imagined that I would be burying Garry today, this is wrong. Garry held on for 12 hours, but he couldn’t make it.”
His other sister, Vimbai, said Garry was a joy to be around.
“Aida kufara, aiti big sis muri kuzviona here. Jesus speaks about the parable of five talents — Garry used his gift and talent.
“We thank God for the time we had with him. He left us Mai TJ, we love you so much and TJ will not lack anything,” said Vimbai.
His older brother, Munyaradzi, said:
“Haa ndarwadziwa, it’s very sad, nothing will change, takungotarisana nenyaya yekuti tinomuradzika. We had good times with Garry, he would say ‘mukoma todii’.”
His other brother, Victor, said Garry was a joyful man.
“I saw how he made people smile. I remember when he released his last album, ndakamuti makunyanya kuti deepisira.”
Garry’s mother-in-law said she was pained by his loss.
“He was my son. I bore girls only and I took him as my only son. Ndikutadza kutaura, ndiri kuremerwa. Ndaidada nemukwasha wangu. When I received the sad news, I could not believe it.”
Officials from his former school in Masvingo praised him for his talent.
“Garry was special to us; he was a passionate rugby player.
“He believed in quality life and quality education. He was an incredible personality. I noticed Garry’s talent from the word go,” said the official.