Calls to probe Solomon Mujuru death

By Everson Mushava

HARARE – Zimbabweans from across the political divide yesterday united in mourning former army commander, General Solomon Mujuru, with many calling for a probe into what they described as a suspicious death.

Mujuru died in an inferno at one of his farms in Beatrice yesterday morning. The 62-year-old was the husband to Vice President Joice Mujuru. General Constantine Chiwenga, commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, said he was shocked by Mujuru’s death.

“It’s unbelievable. Yes, he died, but the way the general has gone is difficult to comprehend. It is quite painful. I arrived from Angola last night and the next thing I hear is that the general has died in a fire,” said Chiwenga.

“I could not believe it and then we drove and when we got there we were told of what happened yesterday. He was drinking and he was merry with his friends and then went to the bedroom to sleep. Nobody expected this,” said Chiwenga.

Zapu leader and Mujuru’s friend, Dumiso Dabengwa was one of the last people to talk to Mujuru.

“I talked to him on Monday and was shocked yesterday to hear that he is dead. It is a big loss to the nation. He was a person one could rely on. Let us hope there is no foul play in his death and if there is, it will complicate our politics,” said Dabengwa, one of the most senior liberation war commanders.

He said Mujuru did not mind political differences and remained a close friend even after he switched from Zanu PF to resuscitate Zapu. “He was the only person who could challenge anyone in this country. He would speak his mind,” said Dabengwa.

Political analyst and academic Ibbo Mandaza queried the circumstances surrounding Mujuru’s death. He said he doubted that a man with such an outstanding military background could fail to deal with a fire. Leader of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) Lovemore Madhuku called for a probe into Mujuru’s death.

“As the NCA, we call for an independent and thorough investigation surrounding the suspicious death of General Mujuru,” said Madhuku. General Mujuru was a true servant of the people who served with diligence as commander of the liberation forces during the liberation struggle and was very loyal to the revolutionary cause of our people.”

“As the NCA, we extend our condolences and deepest sympathy to his family on this tragic loss. We are in mourning with them at this darkest hour that has befallen them,” said Madhuku.

Mujuru began his military career in the 1960s when he joined Zimbabwe African’s Revolutionary Army led by the late Joshua Nkomo before joining President Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army as operations commander, second in rank to the late Josiah Tongogara.

Popularly known as Rex Nhongo during the 1970s war of independence that ended white minority rule, Mujuru played a crucial role in the rise of Mugabe to the apex of Zanu PF and became Zimbabwe’s first army general after independence where he remained Mugabe’s pillar of support.

He retired from the army to join politics in 1992. Daily News