Zimbabwe Mourns the Loss of National Hero, Brigadier General Romeo Daniel Mutsvunguma

Zimbabwe Mourns the Loss of National Hero, Brigadier General Romeo Daniel Mutsvunguma

 

Nevanji Munyaradzi Chiondegwa

 

The nation gathered at the National Heroes Acre to bid farewell to a distinguished patriot and veteran of the liberation struggle, Brigadier General (Rtd) Romeo Daniel Mutsvunguma.

 

In his address, President Emmerson Mnangagwa expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved Mutsvunguma family and described the late general officer as a “consistent, persistent, committed and dedicated cadre” who selflessly served the nation.

 

Born on March 6, 1957, in Makoni District, Manicaland Province, Mutsvunguma joined the liberation struggle in September 1975 after leaving St. Augustine’s Secondary School. He led a group of 17 students from his school and crossed the border into Mozambique, where he was assigned security duties at Nyadzonia Refugee Camp. He later received military training at Morogoro Camp under ZIPA from 1975 to 1976.

 

After his training, Mutsvunguma was deployed in various capacities, including as the Base Security Officer at Mapinduzi Base, Detachment Level, and as the overall Detachment Base Political Commissar at Takawira Base II, Chimoio. In 1978, he was deployed to Pasichigare ZANLA High Command Base as a Political Instructor, where he reported to President Mnangagwa, who was then the Head of Intelligence and Security.

 

Mutsvunguma was also instrumental in setting up the News Analysis Department, which played a strategic role in reaching out to the world to explain Zimbabwe’s quest for independence and freedom. He was elevated to be a member of the General Staff in February 1980 and was tasked with overseeing the first integration of forces forming the new Army 21 Infantry “Pioneer” Battalion.

 

Throughout his career in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Mutsvunguma held various command and staff appointments, including Company Commander, Brigade Major, Directing Staff, Battalion Second in Command, Commanding Officer, Defence Attaché, Director Policy and International Affairs, and an executive position at the Zimbabwe Defence Industries.

 

His hard work, selflessness, continued dedication, and exemplary service to the nation earned him several awards, including the Liberation Medal, Ten Years’ Service Medal, Long and Exemplary Service Medal, Mozambique Campaign Medal, Democratic Republic of Congo Campaign Medal, and Commander of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit Award.

 

In his address, President Mnangagwa urged all Zimbabweans, especially the youth, to draw lessons from the patriotism, loyalty, and selfless hard work exhibited by the late Brigadier General Mutsvunguma and other heroes and heroines of his generation. He called upon the young people of Zimbabwe to remain proud of their identity as Zimbabweans and Africans and to believe in their capabilities as an independent and free people.

 

As the nation mourns the loss of this gallant son of the soil, President Mnangagwa pledged to protect, defend, and consolidate the unity, peace, freedom, independence, and sovereignty of Zimbabwe. He called upon all Zimbabweans to remain vigilant and ready to defend their rich liberation heritage, territorial integrity, peace, security, and the hopes and aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe.

 

In his closing remarks, President Mnangagwa said, “Go well, Son of the Soil; Fambai Zvakanaka Gamba remagamba; Hamba Kahle, Qhawe Lama Qhawe. Rest in Eternal Peace, our Hero, Zororai murugare Gamba redu; Lala ngokuthula Qhawe lethu. We will continue to defend our sovereignty and advance the prosperity of our motherland, Zimbabwe.”