Brigadier behind 2008 violence promoted

One of the key drivers of the 2008 political violence in Zimbabwe, Brigadier General Fidelis Mhonda, has been promoted and is the new commander of 2 Brigade, taking over from Brigadier General Augustine Chipwere.

The handover takeover ceremony was presided over by the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Commander, Lieutenant General Phillip Valerio Sibanda.

Taking over the brigade, Brigadier General Mhonda said integrity is important in the building of loyal officers, adding that there is need for officers to work to remain resolute and defend the country’s economy.

The outgoing commander, Brigadier General Chipwere, who had a short stint with the brigade, said his 10 month tenure enabled him to build a team spirit among officers.

After an embarrassing election defeat to the opposition in 2008, President Robert Mugabe deployed nearly 200 senior army officers countrywide to supervise a brutal massacre of opposition supporters that resulted in the deaths of an estimated 500 people with thousands more tortured and maimed.

Brigadier General Mhonda then a Colonel was deployed in Rushinga, to oversee “Operation Mavhotera Papi – Where Did You Vote?” in the area.