Liberation Struggle veteran José Manuel Maurício dies on a plane at age 80

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Liberation Struggle veteran José Manuel Maurício dies on a plane at age 80

12:15 CAT | 06 Jul 2017

DM / José Manuel Maurício

José Manuel Maurício, the former combatant and master of ceremonies at Mozambique’s Declaration of Independence at the Machava Stadium in 1975, died in Nacala aboard a LAM aircraft bound for Beira on Monday.

Mauricio had been in the capital for treatment for hypertension and respiratory problems, and had flown to Nacala, where he changed planes for Beira. But shortly after take-off, the plane had to return to Nacala when it was discovered that one of its passengers had lost his life.

The body of the deceased was there removed from the aircraft and transported to the morgue.

One of the last interviews given by Samora Machel’s companion to the Diário de Moçambique was published on June 25, 2015, on the 40th anniversary of independence.

He was interviewed as a former combatant of the liberation struggle and for having played the role of master of ceremonies in the proclamation of national independence at the Machava Stadium by Samora Machel.

In his interview, Maurício listed his accomplishments over 40 years, including the formation of cadres, construction of schools, hospitals and even said that he did not remember, in the period before 1975, ever having been attended by a black doctor.

Addressing 40th anniversary of independence celebrations, Mauricio said: “Today, better education and health care, are evident in some districts. We are on a good path, thanks to independence. That is why, at the moment, the key is strengthening national unity and consolidating peace, in order to enable the country to maintain the objectives that led Mozambicans to fight against Portuguese colonialism, which are [now] the liberation of the man and the land.”

The Diário de Moçambique reports that Mauricio was on his way home to celebrate his 81st birthday. His remains were expected to arrive at Beira Airport late last night.

Source: Diário de Moçambique