Kudzai Furusa ZANU PF First Secretary and President Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa has joined the nation in mourning the passing on of the late Air Chief Marshal (Rtd) and Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement, Cde Perrance Shiri. Cde Shiri passed on in the early morning of today. Minister Shiri was the Air Force of Zimbabwe Commander before he was appointed Minister of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement in December 2017. President Mnangagwa tweeted describing the late Minister Shiri as a true patriot who devoted his life to the liberation, independence and service of Zimbabwe. “I am deeply saddened to inform the Nation of the death of the Minister of Agriculture, Air Chief Marshall (rtd) Perrance Shiri, a long time friend and colleague. Cde Shiri was a true patriot, who devoted his life to the liberation, independence and service of his country. May He Rest In Peace,” said the President. Deputy Minister of Lands Agriculture Water and Rural Resettlement, Cde, Vangelis Haritatos has also wrote a condolence message on his Facebook Page expressing shock on the untimely death of Cde Shiri He described the late Cde Shiri as having been a dedicated hard worker “I received a call in the early hours of this morning with shocking news. It is with a heavy heart that I learnt of the passing on of Air Chief Marshall (RTD) P. Shiri. I have worked with Cde Shiri for almost two years now as his Deputy Minister. He was an extremely hard worker, dedicated to our Nation, a patriot, and a nationalist. “I will truly miss him and promise to continue with his vision of making Zimbabwe the breadbasket of Africa once again. Go well Honourable Minister Shiri. May His Soul Rest In Eternal Peace,” said Cde Haritatos. “The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement Hon (Rtd) Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri has passed on. The Ministry joins the President of The Republic of Zimbabwe Cde ED Mnangagwa and the rest of the nation in mourning a true cadre of the soil,” tweeted the Ministry. Independent Legislator for Norton, Themba Mliswa, has also described the late Cde Shiri as a true nationalist who was hard working He tweeted, “I’m gutted to just receive news that Rtd. Air Marshal, Honourable Perrence Shiri popularly known as “Gudo Guru” during the liberation war, is no more. A true nationalist and Commander par excellence, the late Shiri was one of the hard working and effective members of Cabinet. May His Dear Soul Rest In Eternal Peace.” The late Cde Shiri was working on the Agricultural Recovery plan dubbed Smart Agriculture which included the Pfumvudza concept targeting at enhancing food security starting from household level.