A List Of Notable Zimbabwean Senior Army Officials Who Passed Away
In recent years, Zimbabwe has seen a notable number of its senior military officials, both serving and retired, pass away due to various causes. These individuals played significant roles not only within the military ranks but also in shaping the nation’s political and social landscape, particularly during the events surrounding the 2017 coup that reshaped Zimbabwe’s leadership. This trend, marked by frequent deaths due to illness, COVID-19, accidents, and other health complications,.
Here’s a list of notable senior army officials in Zimbabwe who have passed away in recent years, organized by year:
2018
• Lieutenant Colonel Chubbchecker Mutungwe – Died in November 2018 at a private hospital in Harare after a short illness.
2019
• Brigadier-General (Retired) Temba Kanganga – Passed in August 2019 after a long illness.
2020
• Brigadier General Rhufus Chigudu – Died on September 24, 2020, from diabetes. He was declared a national hero.
• Brigadier-General Sambulo Ndlovu (Stanley Hlayibeni) – Died in October 2020 from a COVID-19-related illness.
2021
• Lieutenant-General Sibusiso Moyo – Known for his role in the 2017 coup, he died in January 2021 from COVID-19 complications.
• Lieutenant General Edzai Chimonyo – Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, he passed in January 2021 due to cancer.
• Major-General Douglas Nyikayaramba – Succumbed to COVID-19 in February 2021.
• Major-General (Retired) Clever Shadreck Chiramba – Died in June 2021 from COVID-19 at a Harare hospital.
• Retired Major-General Paradzai Zimondi – Former prisons chief, passed in January 2021 due to COVID-19.
• Brigadier-General Fidelis Satuku – Passed in July 2021 from kidney complications.
• Colonel Christopher Rufu Mayoyo – Died in April 2021 at his farm in Triangle.
2022
• Retired Major-General Sydney Bhebe – Died in June 2022 at Avenues Clinic, Harare.
• Retired Major-General Godfrey Chanakira – Passed in May 2022; he was a secretary in Vice-President Chiwenga’s office.
• Retired Major-General Sikhulile Simpson Nyathi – Died in May 2022.
• Colonel John Mhlanga – Died in April 2022 in a car accident on Bulawayo-Plumtree Highway.
• Brigadier-General Charles Kaneta – Passed in September 2022 after collapsing at his farm.
• Retired Colonel Lwazi Tsheza – Died in July 2022 after a short illness.
2023
• Colonel (Retired) Tshinga Dube – Former War Veterans minister, passed in October 2023 due to kidney failure.
• Retired Brigadier-General Michael Chaminuka – Died on July 13, 2023, in Harare after a short illness.
• Retired Brigadier-General Lameck Mutanda – Died in July 2023 in the UK; posthumously declared a national hero.
• Colonel Andrew Kabaira – Passed on July 21, 2023, after a short illness at an army hospital.
This list highlights some of the most notable military figures who have passed away, reflecting the notable role of the military in Zimbabwe’s political and social landscape.