Chronicle Editor
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
A sombre atmosphere engulfed Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base in Gweru yesterday as relatives, workmates and friends gathered at a funeral parade held by the Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) in honour of the late Group Captain Ezweni Masuku.
Group Captain Masuku (54) died last week while admitted to a Harare hospital following a short illness.
He was a former Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base deputy commander.
Addressing mourners, AFZ Air Vice Marshal Biltim Chingono, who is Chief of Staff in charge of operations, described the death of Group Captain Masuku as a great loss to his family, the AFZ and nation at large.
“To the Masuku family, senior officers, officers and men, relatives, friends and mourners, allow me on behalf of Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe, Air Marshal Elson Moyo to express my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved son, Group Captain Ezweni Masuku who passed away at West End hospital on April 21 after a short illness,” he said.
Air Vice Marshal Chingono said Group Captain Masuku was born on October 29 in 1968 in Bulilima-Mangwe in Plumtree.
He said Group Captain Masuku did his primary education at Dingumuzi primary school in Mangwe as well as Mafakela primary school in Bulawayo from 1976 to 1982.
“He completed his Ordinary level at Luveve secondary school in 1986 and Advanced level at Manama high school in 1988. He was attested into the Air Force of Zimbabwe on November 6 1989 as an officer cadet.
“He was commissioned to the rank of air Sub Lieutenant on September 6 1991.
He was promoted to the rank of Air Lieutenant on September 6 1992, Flight Lieutenant on May 12 1997, Squadron leader on March 10 2004, Wing Commander on April 21 2010 and to Group Captain on February 15 2018, the rank he held until his untimely death,” said Air Vice Marshal Chingono.
Air Vice Marshal Chingono said Group Captain Masuku successfully completed Regular Officer Cadet course at the then Thornhill Air Force base (now Josiah Tungamirai Air Force base).
“He also successfully completed operational conversion course, qualified flying instructors’ course category A, qualified weapons instructors’ course and instrument rating examiners’ course at the same base.
The late senior officer did junior staff course at the school of academic and staff training (Manyame Air Force base) and joint command and staff course at Zimbabwe Staff College in 2013.
The late officer successfully completed senior aviation course in China in 2016.
“The late Group Captain Masuku enrolled for National Defence Course with Zimbabwe National Defence university when he untimely passed on just four months before graduation,” he said.
Air Vice Marshal Chingono said the late senior officer distinguished himself in the Democratic Republic of Congo campaign as he was one of the first fighter ground attack jet pilots to be deployed at the war front.
“He executed his duties exceptionally well in the Eastern and Western fronts of the war zone.
The late Group Captain flew the leading aircraft to break the enemy strong encirclement when some troops were under siege in the Eastern front.
The late senior officer was deployed in South Africa from 2006 to 2011 to train South African pilots.
He was also seconded to Namibian Air force for the operational conversion training.
“The late Group Captain Masuku held the following appointments, Flying Wing Adjutant (JT AFB), Flight Commander 2 Squadron (JT AFB), Staff Officer Grade 1 field force unit (AIR HQ), Commanding Officer Flying Wing (JT AFB), Commandant School of flying training (JT AFB), deputy base commander (JT AFB). The late Group Captain Masuku was decorated with the following medals, Independence service medal, 10 years’ service medal, DRC campaign medal.”
Air Vice Marshal Chingono said Group Captain Masuku is survived by wife Ziviso Gumbo and three daughters.
“To the Masuku family, friends and relatives, we say we are with you in these trying times. To you Ezweni, we say rest in peace – zorora murugare, lala ngokuthula,” he said.
After the funeral parade, Group Captain Masuku was laid to rest at Destiny Memorial Park in Gweru.
Online Reporter