THE Zimbabwe National Army has announced the death of senior officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Campion Mudzimba.
He was 57.
Lt-Col Mudzimba died last week at Parirenyatwa Hospital after a short illness.
In a statement, Director Army Public Relations Lt-Col Alphios Makotore said: “The Commander Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant-General Absalom Edzai Chimonyo is deeply saddened to announce the untimely passing on of Lieutenant Colonel Campion Mudzimba at Parirenyatwa Hospital after a short illness,” he said.
Lt Col Mudzimba was born on November 4, 1962 in Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe district, Mashonaland East Province.
He was educated at Manyika Primary School in the same district before moving to Mutambwa Primary School in Mutoko.
He proceeded to Marist Brothers Nyanga for secondary education, but the school later closed because of the war while Mudzimba was in Form 3.
He had to return to Uzumba where he became a war collaborator.
At ceasefire, Lt-Col Mudzimba wrote his Ordinary Level examinations at Chitsere Hall in Mbare, Harare, before joining the Zanu PF Youth League.
At independence, he was sent to Alpha Assembly Point in Hoya for political orientation and was later taken to Rushinga Assembly Point for military training.
From there, Lt-Col Mudzimba was sent to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), together with other recruits, where he trained in Field Artillery at Kim Chol Ju Military Academy.
Upon his return from North Korea, he was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army as a Lance Corporal and rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.
During his career, the late senior officer did several military courses which include Officers’ Foundation Course in 1984 at the Zimbabwe Military Academy.
He also did Regimental Accounts Course, Platoon Commander’s Course, Administration Officers’ Course, Quartermaster Staff Officers’ Course, Company Group Commanders’ Course, Junior Staff Course, United Nations’ Observers’ Course and Joint Command and Staff Course.
“In recognition of his dedication, selfless and exemplary service to the nation, the late senior officer was awarded the following medals; Independence Medal for his contribution towards the independence of Zimbabwe, 10 Years Service Medal for his immense contribution in the integration, formation and development of the Zimbabwe National Army during the first 10 years of its existence.
“He was also awarded with Long and Exemplary Service Medal, Mozambique Campaign Medal for his contribution towards the restoration of peace and stability in Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo Campaign Medal — for his contribution towards peace and the regard for humanity in the DRC during operation Sovereign Legitimacy and the Commander of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit Award — for his eminent achievement and distinguished service to Zimbabwe or to humanity at large.”
The late Lt Col Mudzimba is survived by his wife Grace Tsitsi Mudzimba and two children, Takudzwa and Tanatswa.
