Online Reporter
Takunda Gambiza
Herald Reporter
THE Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) has honoured retired Air Commodore Peter Samuel Ngulu with a funeral parade, describing him as a disciplined officer whose distinguished service and mentorship helped shape generations of military leaders.
Speaking at the funeral parade, Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe, Air Marshal Jacob John Nzvede, said the Air Commodore’s death had been received with profound sorrow by the Air Force and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
“We received the sad news of the passing on of the late Air Commodore (Retired) Peter Samuel Ngulu with deepest sorrow,” he said.
“I wish to convey my deepest condolences to the Ngulu and Nyateka families, all relatives and friends on this sad loss.”
He said the funeral parade was a long-standing military tradition reserved for officers and members who served both the organisation and the nation with distinction.
Air Marshal Nzvede described the late Air Commodore Ngulu as “the epitome of a disciplined and hard-working officer,” attributing his exemplary service to the values of hard work, discipline and perseverance instilled during his upbringing.
Born on December 12, 1944, Ngulu attended Crowhill Schools before joining the then Rhodesian Air Force at the age of 20.
Following Zimbabwe’s independence, he continued serving in the Air Force of Zimbabwe, steadily rising through the ranks from Air Lieutenant in 1978 to Air Commodore upon his retirement in 1995.
Throughout his career, he completed several professional military courses, including the Intermediate Staff Course, Administration and Potential Officers Course, Drill and Weapons Instructors Course, and Explosive and Drug Dog Trainers Course.
He also held several senior appointments, among them Base Commander at Manyame Air Force Base, Thornhill Air Force Base, now Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base, and Field Air Force Base, now Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo Air Force Base. He also served as Director of Administration at Air Force Headquarters.
“In the annals of the Air Force of Zimbabwe, the late Air Commodore Ngulu will be remembered for mentoring a new generation of officers,” said Air Marshal Nzvede.
“His leadership was marked by integrity and he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence.”
For his service, Ngulu received several national honours, including the Independence Medal, Service Medal, Long and Exemplary Service Medal and the Mozambique Campaign Medal.
Following his retirement, he turned to agriculture, where he remained committed to national development through farming and contributing to food security.
“To you, Peter Samuel Ngulu, we say rest in eternal peace, zorora murugare,” said Air Marshal Nzvede.
We must not revere former Army personnel that aided and abated the killing of our people in and around the country, in refugee camps in surrounding countries and in the length and breadth of Zimbabwe. There is no honour in Zimbabwe for people who worked against the liberation of Zimbabwe. This Ngulu chap was a worse sellout than the late Peter Walls, the former commander of the Rhodesia’s military. To honour him is similar to honouring the late turncoat of the liberation struggle, Morrison Nyati. History must never be sanitised. It must be said as is so that it remains credible.