Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, [email protected]
HUNDREDS of mourners from across the country gathered in Malala Village, Beitbridge District, to bid farewell to the late Assistant Commissioner Rever Mbedzi, a liberation hero who was serving as the Deputy Officer Commanding Matabeleland South Province in the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS).
The late Assistant Commissioner Mbedzi was laid to rest at his rural home on Saturday, following his passing on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, after a short illness.
His dedication to duty and his contributions to community development initiatives across Matabeleland South earned him recognition as a liberation hero.
He served in the ZPCS for more than three decades, rising through the ranks to become Deputy Officer Commanding for Matabeleland South Province.
In their graveside eulogies, speakers highlighted Assistant Commissioner Mbedzi’s work in correctional rehabilitation programmes and community upliftment, noting that his efforts were widely valued and respected.
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, who led the proceedings, praised Mbedzi’s commitment to both the community and the nation.
“During his tenure of service, Assistant Commissioner Rever Mbedzi distinguished himself as a humble, dedicated, loyal and hardworking member of the service.
“He carried out every responsibility entrusted to him with unquestioned competence and unwavering attention to detail, never seeking praise but always ensuring that his work met the highest standards,” said the minister.
“His humility made him approachable to colleagues and to those he served, his dedication meant he was reliable in both routine tasks and in times of pressure, his loyalty created a foundation of trust that ZPCS could depend upon.
“The late Assistant Commissioner, Rever Mbedzi’s character and conduct left a lasting mark on everyone who encountered him. He will be deeply mourned by many, not only by those who knew him personally and cherished him as a friend and confidant, but also by those who respected him from afar because of his strong reputation for integrity and compassion,” he said.
The late hero’s uncle, Mr Abel Mbedzi, said the family and the community in the province were still in shock.
He said the late hero had lived a life marked by selflessness and was always willing to bring positive change to those around him.
Deputy Commissioner General ZPCS, Christine Manetswa Manhivi, said the organisation had lost a dedicated officer who played a critical role in the rollout of rehabilitation and reintegration programmes nationally.
“He is one of the key senior members of staff who has been training others on the rehabilitation and integration pillars in the correctional system nationally. The void he left will be hard to fill for us.”
Chief Tshitaudze of Beitbridge said: “Our hearts are heavy with sorrow, this is a man who always put others first and was full of respect and was a team player on most developmental issues in our area and an avid farmer.”
Assistant Commissioner Mbedzi is survived by his wife, Blessing, and three children.
