The leader of President Robert Mugabe’s military forces in Zimbabwe’s independence war, ex-defence chief Solomon Mujuru, burnt to death at his home overnight, officials said Tuesday.

It was unclear what caused the blaze at the farmhouse of the 62-year-old retired general, husband of Vice President Joyce Mujuru and the country’s most decorated military officer, a party official said.

“There was a fire at his house and he died as result of that but we do not know the cause of that fire,” Zanu-PF official Simon Khaya Moyo told AFP.

Mr Mugabe described Mr Mujuru’s death as “a very sad and tragic loss.”

“This horrific tragedy the full details of which are still coming has robbed the nation of a veteran commander of our war of liberation,” Mr Mugabe said in a statement.

“A courageous fighter and commander who led from the front, General Mujuru was part of the wartime command which moulded thousands of young men and women into one guerrilla army with the capability of militarily dismantling the racist settler colonial dispensation,” Mr Mugabe said.

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said: “Rtd General Mujuru, the founding commander of our national army after independence, will be greatly remembered for his sterling role in the liberation struggle and his outstanding and distinguished service in our military.

“It is indeed tragic that we have lost a patriot who served his country with honour and distinction.”

Mr Mujuru was burnt beyond recognition, Security Minister Sidney Sekeramayi said.Police were investigating, notably to determine whether the fire was accidental or criminal.