Chronicle Editor
YESTERDAY the nation paid its last respects to Cde Moses Griffiths Mpofu who was laid to rest at the National Shrine. He was 67. Cde Mpofu was a man who dedicated his life to serving the country, and did so with distinction and humility.
He was fittingly described as an unwavering luminary, illustrious and industrious cadre who rose steadily through the ranks to become Deputy Commissioner in the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). In their eulogy which we publish below, the ZRP through their Press, Public and International Relations Office walked the nation through the life of Cde Mpofu who they described as a leader par excellence, an iconic figure who was thorough and whose commitment and dedication to duty could neither be questioned nor doubted. Read on…..
Cde Mpofu whose Chimurenga nom de guerre was Matswaha Witness Mhlanga passed on, on Friday 12 February 2021 at United Bulawayo Hospitals after a long illness. First and foremost, the ZRP wishes to express its heartfelt condolences to the Mpofu family, in particular to Mrs Mpofu and the children on the tragic death of Cde Mpofu.
Zimbabwe has lost a veteran of the armed liberation struggle, a strong revolutionary cadre who continued to serve the country after independence with utmost loyalty, dedication and commitment to promoting and safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and national interests.
Cde Mpofu was born on 09 August 1954 under Headman Deli, Chief Matupula, Nyamandlovu District. He enrolled for his primary education at Nhlabathi Primary School, Tsholotsho. After completing his Sub A, he was transferred to Nkonzo Primary School, Tsholotsho where he completed his primary education. Thereafter, he attended his secondary education at Tegwane High School, Plumtree from 1969 to 1973 where he excelled in his studies.
After completing his secondary education, Cde Mpofu was involved in full time politics under the ZIPRA banner. In 1974, Griffiths was appointed to the post of Secretary for Youth in ZAPU covering areas of Hwange and Victoria Falls.
In 1975, incensed by the brutality of Rhodesian forces, Mpofu teamed up with 12 others and crossed the Zambezi River via Chise crossing point into Zambia with the assistance of Regional Commander Northern Front 1, Jonh Nyamupingidza.
Moses Griffiths Mpofu received his initial military training at Mwembeshi Training Camp, Zambia in 1975 before undergoing further training at Mgagao and Morogoro training camps in Tanzania. In 1977, after his training in Tanzania, Cde Mpofu was deployed in Zambia under the National Security and Order, an intelligence wing of ZAPU under the leadership of one only known as Michael. The wing worked as a counter secrect agency against Rhodesian and South African forces.
Because of his acumen, between 1978 and 1979, Comrade Griffiths was selected and underwent a Police Command Course specialising in Criminal Investigations and Management of Mass Disorder [Riot] at Novocherkask Advanced Police Academy in Union of Soviet Socialist Republic [U.S.S.R]. At ceasefire, Cde Mpofu returned to Zimbabwe in 1979 as an Advance Party of the Intelligence Unit, carrying out reconnaissance on the activities and whereabouts of the enemy.
After Independence, Cde Mpofu was attested into the Zimbabwe Republic Police on 27 July 1980 and received his initial police training as a Constable in Tomlinson Depot and posted to ZRP Mzilikazi. Thereafter, he was promoted in 1981 to the rank of Patrol Officer and he returned for further training at Morris Depot.
The Retired Senior Officer’s track record in the Police Service speaks volumes of his leadership qualities which saw him rise to the rank of Deputy Commissioner, the position he held when he retired from the Police Service.
Before his elevation to the rank of Deputy Commissioner, Cde Mpofu had the opportunity to serve as Officer In Charge Crime and investigations ZRP Gwanda being an Inspector, Superintendent Administration Bulawayo Central District, and Officer Commanding Harare Central District in 1993 upon attaining the rank of Chief Superintendent.
He continued to rise in the rank and file of the Zimbabwe Republic Police becoming Assistant Commissioner responsible for operations for Harare Province in 1995.
His quest for greater responsibility in leadership saw him becoming Officer Commanding Harare Province when he was promoted to the rank of Senior Assistant Commissioner in 1998, and the following year (1999) he grandiosely landed the post of Deputy Commissioner in the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
During his service in the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Cde Mpofu scooped accolades namely; Bronze Liberation Medal, Service Medal, Police Long and Exemplary Service Medal and a plethora of good commendations.
The hardworking and illustrious cadre, finally retired from the Zimbabwe Republic Police on 31 December 2004 due to ill health. He had served for twenty-four years in the Police Service with pride and honour.
Retired Deputy Commissioner Mpofu leaves behind his wife Sibonile Mpofu nee Khumalo, four children Assa, Khululeko, Nozipho and Memory as well as five grandchildren. Today we say, Griffiths, you fought a good fight of faith as said by the Bible in the Book of 2 Timothy Chapter 4, verse 7 : “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
As we conclude, we wish to once again on behalf of the Zimbabwe Republic Police family convey our deepest sympathy to relatives and friends. We say we are all with you in mourning the loss of your beloved one.
Moses Griffiths; Go well, Famba Zvakanaka, Hamba Kahle.
Online Reporter