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Thousands bid farewell to "Commander" Karanda
Movement for Democratic Change (MDC)
September 17, 2011

Thousands of MDC supporters, relatives and friends today converged at Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare to pay their last respects to MDC founder member, Diamond Karanda. Karanda, 37, died on Sunday after a short illness. He was the first Youth Assembly secretary for security.

Addressing mourners, the MDC deputy national chairperson, Hon. Morgen Komichi described Karanda as a fearless fighter for real change. "Diamond was known for his courage," Hon. Komichi said. "In Zimbabwe there is no democratic freedom, no freedom of association, we have no well equipped hospitals, schools, no better roads and there is high unemployment. These are the issues that Diamond died fighting for.

"That is the war that Diamond was fighting for and he will remain a pillar of the MDC and the people of Zimbabwe. Diamond had a vision to see a better Zimbabwe for everyone" said Hon. Komichi.

Hon. Komichi said Zanu PF was to blame for Karanda's death as he was a victim of Zanu PF and State security agents' assault on several occasions since he joined the MDC in 1999.

He said Karanda was arrested on several occasions on various trumped-up charges. On two occasions, Karanda and other MDC youths were dumped by the State security agents at Gonarezhou Game Reserve in Chiredzi and at the Border Gezi Youth Training Centre in Mt Darwin. However, on both occasions they managed to escape and come back to Harare.

Hon. Komichi castigated the police commissioner general, Augustine Chihuri and the police for not taking any action against Zanu PF hooligans who are terrorising innocent people especially in Harare.

"I want to tell Chihuri that if he does not take action and arrest the Zanu PF hooligans, the MDC youths are going to defend their parents and the people against the unruly behaviour of Zanu PF youths," he said.

The national organising secretary, Hon. Nelson Chamisa said the party was concerned over the high number of its cadres who were dying in the fight for real change from injuries sustained from Zanu PF and State security agents. "But I want to assure you that real change is close. We therefore should remain united and focussed in our fight to bring real change to the people of Zimbabwe. Real change is coming. It is unstoppable," Hon. Chamisa said.

Hon. Chamisa said he fondly remembered the days when he was the Youth Assembly national chairperson and worked on a daily basis with Karanda. "Diamond was a commander and I was the commander-in-chief. He would execute his duties diligently and the party has been robbed of a totally dedicated cadre," said Hon. Chamisa.

At the time of his death, Karanda was working as the personal assistant to Hon. Gift Chimanikire. Hon. Chimanikire is a member of the MDC National Executive Committee, Southerton MP and the deputy minister of Mines and Mining Development.

In his address, Hon. Chimanikire said Karanda was a humble and respected member of the MDC. "I first met Diamond in 1999 when he joined the MDC and at that time, it was unknown and unheard of for one to be a member of the MDC. His vision since then was to bring true democracy to Zimbabwe through democratic and non-violent means," said Hon. Chimanikire.

He said Karanda had risen to be a leader in the MDC from very humble beginnings. "After completing his high school education, Diamond started operating a market stall at Mbare Musika. But in 1999, he decided to abandon all this and concentrate on working full time for the MDC as a member of the Youth Assembly," said Hon. Karanda.

Several senior MDC officials who include the deputy treasurer general, Hon. Elton Mangoma, Women's Assembly chairperson, Hon. Theresa Makone, Hon. Tichaona Mudzingwa, Harare provincial chairperson, Hon. Paul Madzore, scores of MPs, councillors and government officials attended the burial.

Sungura superstar, Suluman Chimbetu was also present. Addressing mourners, Chimbetu said he was a personal friend of Karanda and at the time of his death he was teaching him how to play a guitar.

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