Hosia Mviringi
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has shared commiserations with the Chimonyo family and the defense fraternity, following the death of Zimbabwe National Army Commander Lieutenant-General Edzai Chimonyo.
He described the death as a devastating loss to the nation.
Lt General Chimoyo died today, in the early hours, after a long battle with lung cancer.
“The death this morning of our commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant-General Edzai Absolom Chakanyuka Chimonyo after a long battle with cancer is a devastating blow to our Nation,” said President Mnangagwa.
Lt General Chimonyo was a key figure in the war of liberation, having left school to join the struggle for independence in Mozambique where he was to rise through the ranks to become a distinguished Commander and instructor.
He was an outstanding trainer of art of war.
“A veteran freedom fighter, Commander and Diplomat, Major General Chimonyo was a decorated career soldier who was moulded in the heat of our protracted liberation struggle, which he joined from school to become a veteran freedom fighter from a tender age,” said President Mnangagwa.
Lt General Chimonyo was instrumental in opening up numerous war fronts in the then Rhodesia, forcing the embattled Smith regime to consider the route of negotiations which culminated in the independence that is enjoyed today.
He was a man who would never look back or think twice when it came to national duty. His dedication to the cause of the nation was unmatched.
Lt General Chimonyo was instrumental in the delicate post independence integration phase during which the two hitherto warring armies, the Rhodesian and the Patriotic Front came together to form the Zimbabwe National Army.
He stood his ground to ensure the success of the new look integrated Zimbabwe National Army.
“Therefore he assumed several Command positions in the Army, each time steadily rising up the rung until he attained Generalship,” said the President.
Lt General Chimonyo was to lead units of the Zimbabwe National Army for missions in Somalia, Mozambique and in the Democratic Republic of Congo when the SADC Standby force was called join to defend the government of that nation in 1998.
Lt General Chimonyo was to later exchange his military fatigues for diplomatic robes.
He served the country in Burundi, Rwanda and the United Republic of Tanzania before returning home to continue serving in the Army, this time as Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, a position he held until he passed on.
Such was the degree of trust bestowed upon him by the Head of State.
“Upon the advent of the Second Republic I, without any hesitation, raised him to the position of Commander of the National Army, an appointment and trust which he vindicated through absolute loyalty and dedicated commitment to duty and to his country.
On behalf of the Party ZANU PF, Government, and as Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, I wish to express my deepest heartfelt condolences to the Chimonyo family and to his children especially who have lost a loving father and mentor,” said President Mnangagwa.
Burial arrangements will be announced in due course when all considerations on his status have been concluded.
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