Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa
Liberation fighter and senior Zimbabwe National Army Officer, Colonel (Retired) George Njagu, has been described as a distinguished military man who contributed significantly to the country’s peace and security, including participating in an operation to secure the Nyamapanda to Tete route, which was under threat from Renamo (Resistência Nacional Moçambicana) rebels.
Colonel Njagu died at Mbuya Dorcas Hospital in Harare on Friday last week. Col Njagu represented the country in several regional missions, including Operation Sovereign Legitimacy in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Mozambique campaign and the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Angola.
A funeral parade was held for Col Njagu at Mechanised Brigade Parade Square in Inkomo in honour of his distinguished and dedicated service.
Chief of Staff-General Staff Major-General Josphat Kudumba, who was the chief mourner and worked with the late senior officer, described him as a brave man who had served diligently to ensure peace and security.
“He was posted to establish One Mechanised Battalion in 1982 and I met him for the first time as we were involved in the establishment of One Mechanised Battalion. He served under the support company and later on became an intelligence officer before coming back to the support company,” said Maj-Gen Kudumba.
“During the same period, there were operations that took place in Mozambique where we deployed as an intelligence officer and later on company second in command. He was one of the brave young officers. During that time, Renamo had closed the Tete route from Nyamapanda and One Mechanised Batallion was tasked with opening that route. All the junior and senior officers participated in what was a brave operation, which led to the route being opened.”
Born on September 14, 1957, Col Njagu, whose Chimurenga name was Bonnie Taguta, joined the liberation struggle as a Zanla cadre on April 4, 1976 when he crossed into Mozambique.
He trained at Tembwe Camp soon after the Nyadzonia attack and was deployed to the transport department in Tete Province before being sent to Takawira Sector where he operated under Alpha Detachment.
Col Njagu operated as section commissar before being promoted to manage platoon security and he later returned to Mozambique after being assigned to teach freedom fighters at Base 2 before being transferred to Maputo with the same teaching mission.
On January 27, 1980, Col Njagu was deployed to be part of the presidential entourage to Zimbabwe and at Independence, he went to Chitungwiza Assembly Point.
He received several medals of honour during his illustrious career, including the liberation, Independence, 10 and 15 Years’ Service, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo campaign medals and the Commander of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit award, among others.
His son Kudzai said the Col Njagu always impressed upon the family the values of the liberation struggle and the foundation of the nationhood.
His wife Mrs Idah Njagu wife, said land was at the heart of the late senior army officer and she decided to move to their farm in Tengwe in 2004 to honour his wish.
War veteran Cde Cornelius Muwoni said Col Njagu prioritised the welfare of military personnel and war veterans.
Col Njagu is survived by his wife, Idah and two children. He is expected to be buried at his farm in Tengwe, Hurungwe District.
