Defence chiefs pay tribute to AFZ plane crash pilots

Farai Kuvirimirwa Herald Reporter
A joint military parade was held yesterday for two Air Force of Zimbabwe pilots who perished when their trainer plane crashed in a compound while rehearsing for the Big African Air Show last Wednesday.
Hundreds of mourners attended the parade for the late Squadron Leader Taurai Jombo and Air Lieutenant Evidence Begede at Manyame Airbase yesterday afternoon.
Among those present were Minister of Defence Dr Sydney Sekeramayi, Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Constantine Chiwenga and AFZ Commander Air Marshal Perrance Shiri.
In an interview, Minister Sekeramayi said the death of the pilots left a huge void as they were hard workers in the AFZ.
“It is a very sad and tragic loss as they died while rehearsing for the airshow which has been described as the best to have been held. We have lost very competent, dedicated and professional officers. We encourage our youngsters to join the AFZ and continue with the excellent performances,” he said.

Gen Chiwenga hailed Squadron Leader Jombo saying he worked hard during his stint in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“They got experience and we thought they would continue with their hard work in AFZ as they were at the prime of their time. We anticipated they would be together with others to support the airshow and we sympathise with the young families left behind,” he said.

Air Marshal Shiri said the AFZ had appointed a board of inquiry to establish the cause of the accident.
“We are pained by the loss of the two pilots and are mourning with their families but it can be difficult to accept. We appointed a board of inquiry to look into the cause of the crash. If we come up with findings, we will divulge the information,” he said.

Family spokesperson Fungai Jombo and elder brother to Squadron Leader Jombo said the family was still in shock after their father passed on last month.
“We worked hard together in taking care of children left by our late four brothers and mother. He was a hard worker and a pillar of support in the family,” he said.

Young brother to Air Lieutenant Begede said he lost a brother who loved his job – flying – and worked hard in all his endeavours.
“We feel a great loss since we would talk about life and the past. I lost a brother and friend who was loving and sociable,” he said.

The two late officers will be buried in Nyazura and Gweru respectively.
Born on April 23,1978 in Gwatidzo Village under Chief Makoni, Squadron Leader Jombo attended Chitenderano Primary, Drake Secondary and Allan Wilson Boys’ High School.

He was attested into the AFZ on December 1, 1999, commissioned as Air Sub- Lieutenant on April 23, 2004 and promoted to Air Lieutenant on April 23, 2005.
He rose to Flight Lieutenant on September 19, 2007 and to Squadron Leader on July 20, 2012, a rank he held until his untimely death.

He did the regular Officer Cadet Course in 2000, Basic Flying Course in 2004, Ab412 Co-Pilot Course, Ab 412 Captain’s Course, Junior Staff Course and the Flying Instructor’s Course at Thornhill Air Force base in 2012.

At the time of his death, the late Squadron Leader Jombo was pursuing a degree in Computer Science at Midlands State University.
In recognition of his exemplary service, Squadron Leader Jombo was awarded the Independence, 10-Year Service and the DRC Campaign medals.

He is survived by his wife, Rumbidzai, and two children.
He will be buried today at his rural home in Makoni.

The late Air Lieutenant Begede was born on March 20, 1986 in Gweru and attended Hatfield Primary, Thornhill Primary, Hermann Gmeiner Secondary and Chipindura High School.

He was attested into the AFZ on November 5, 2007 and was commissioned to the rank of Air Lieutenant on August 5, 2011, a rank he held until his tragic death.
He did the Regular Officer Cadet Course, Basic Flying Course, Courier Convex Course on SF260 and Advanced training on JL-8 in China.
He held a National Foundation Certificate in Engineering Drawing and Design.

In recognition of his exemplary service, Air Lieutenant Begede was awarded the Independence Medal.
He is survived by his wife, Laura Rutendo, and daughter Chloe.