President Mnangagwa Hails Brigadier General Mzheri as a Symbol of Loyalty and Patriotism

By Edward Makuzva

President Dr. Emmerson D. Mnangagwa yesterday led thousands of mourners at the National Heroes’ Acre in paying last respects to the late Brigadier General (Rtd) Victor Mpandasekwa Mzheri, whom he described as “a gallant son of the soil, a disciplined soldier, and a true patriot whose life embodied sacrifice, humility and service.”

The decorated freedom fighter, known during the liberation struggle as Comrade Khetani Khanye, died in Harare on October 6, 2025.

He was 75.

“We gather here at our sacred national shrine to lay to rest Brigadier General (Rtd) Victor Mpandasekwa Mzheri, a veteran of the Liberation Struggle and a revered military commander in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces,” said the President.

“The nation mourns with the Mzheri family as we celebrate a life dedicated to defending the sovereignty and dignity of our motherland.”

President Mnangagwa said the nation must draw inspiration from heroes like Brigadier General Mzheri, whose life embodied discipline, humility, and steadfast patriotism.

“Our National Hero’s life is a testament to courage, bravery, focus, and professional probity,” the President said.

“His legacy challenges us to build and defend our nation with the same devotion and honesty that defined his service.”

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the ideals of the liberation struggle through unity, hard work, and servant leadership, invoking the national philosophy: “Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo – Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo.”

From Mberengwa to the Battlefield

Born on March 7, 1950, in Mberengwa District, Brigadier General Mzheri’s early years were defined by discipline and purpose.

He began his schooling at Rengwe and Mnene primary schools before proceeding to Manama Secondary School and Esigodini Agricultural College.

He later worked at Sable Chemical Industries as a Plant Operator between 1972 and 1974, before trading comfort for conviction.

In 1974, he crossed into Zambia to join the liberation struggle under the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA).

He received his initial training at Mwembeshi Camp, later advancing to Mgagao and Morogoro in Tanzania, before undergoing leadership training in the Soviet Union.

His remarkable command abilities saw him appointed Deputy Commander at Freedom Camp in 1977 and later Administrator in the ZAPU Presidency under the leadership of the late Vice President, Dr Joshua Nkomo.

Defending a New NationAt Independence in 1980, Brigadier General Mzheri was among the first 18 ZIPRA commanders to be integrated into the Zimbabwe National Army.

He rose through the ranks, becoming Brigadier General in 1987.

He commanded 1 and 3 Infantry Brigades, the Harare District, and the Special Task Force for Mozambique, where he played a pivotal role in safeguarding regional peace.

The late hero also served as Director General of Administration and Finance during Zimbabwe’s deployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo, before assuming key strategic positions as Director General of Defence Policy and Public Relations.

President Mnangagwa said Brigadier General Mzheri’s military career was anchored on professionalism, patriotism, and integrity.

“His conduct was always underpinned by loyalty, discipline, and exceptional commitment to duty,” the President said.

“He remains one of the finest examples of servant leadership in the history of our Defence Forces.”

For his distinguished service to the nation, the late Brigadier General (Rtd) Victor Mpandasekwa Mzheri was the proud recipient of numerous honours that reflected his unwavering dedication, courage, and commitment to Zimbabwe.

Among the medals bestowed upon him were the Liberation Medal and the Independence Medal—symbols of his heroic contribution to the liberation struggle and his role in shaping the nation’s sovereignty.

He also received the Ten Years’ Service Medal, the Long and Exemplary Service Medal, and the Mozambique Campaign Medal, recognising his bravery and steadfastness during key regional peace and security missions.

In addition, Brigadier General Mzheri was awarded one of the country’s highest distinctions, the Grand Officer of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit, in acknowledgement of his eminent achievements and distinguished service to Zimbabwe.

These honours stand as enduring testaments to his loyalty, discipline, and devotion to duty.

Throughout his illustrious military career, Brigadier General (Rtd) Mzheri epitomised the highest standards of professionalism within the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

He led with integrity, inspired those under his command, and remained committed to the ideals of peace, unity, and national development.

His legacy of excellence continues to inspire both serving and future generations of officers who look up to his example of patriotism, humility, and service before self.