Generals Falling: Maj General Bhebe dies, third army Gen in 2 weeks

The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) on Tuesday announced the death of Major General (Rtd) Sydney Bhebe (61), a third army general to die in two weeks.

Seven days ago, the country mourned the death of Major-General (Retired) Sikhulile Simpson Nyathi. His death came a few days after the death of national hero, Major-General (Rtd) Godfrey Chanakira.

ZNA Director Army Public Relations Colonel Alphios Makotore, this time around, announced in a statement that Gen Bhebe died on Monday evening at the Avenues Clinic in Harare.

“The late Major General (Retd) Bhebe was born on 30 December 1960 at Masase Mission Hospital in Mberengwa District, Midlands Province. He grew up in Tinhayi Kraal under Chief Mtevaidze also in Mberengwa,” read the statement.

“He did his primary education from Grade 1 to 3 at Masase Primary School from 1967 to 1969, Mavorovondo Primary School for Grade 4 in 1970, Chiremba Primary School in Epworth, Harare in 1971 for Grade 5, Mnene Boarding School and Danamombe Primary School in Mberengwa for Grade 6 in 1972 and completed his primary education in 1973 at Msiningira Primary School also in Mberengwa.

“His parents were both teachers hence he kept on transferring to a number of primary schools following his parents’ transfers. Major General (Retd) Bhebe did his secondary education at Masase Secondary School also in Mberengwa from 1974 to 1977.

“He joined the Liberation Struggle under the Zimbabwe African People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) after crossing the border into Zambia via Botswana in April 1977.

“The late freedom fighter received military training at Boma Training Camp in Angola in 1977. After completing basic training in March 1978, he was selected to be an instructor and underwent further military training in Semi-Conventional and Conventional Warfare at the same camp.

“At Independence, the late Major General Bhebe was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army on 01 April 1981. He rose through the ranks to Major General in 2021 the rank he retired with from the ZNA that same year.

“Mourners are gathered at House Number 15 Cranborne West Married Quarters, Hatfield in Harare.

“Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Bhebe and three children.”