Chronicle Editor
The late Deputy Commissioner General (Rtd) Milton Siziba, whose Chimurenga name was “Jefry Machinga”, passed away on 01 August 2023. He was born on 14 November 1951 in Matabeleland South Province Matobo District under Chief Dumezweni and Headman Makhosi. He did his education up to Zimbabwe Junior Certificate level at Matopo Secondary school.
During the Liberation Struggle, the late Deputy Commissioner General received his military training at Khohima Barrack in Zambia in 1977 as an Officer Cadet. After completing his training, he was deployed at Maheba where he was tasked with the formation of regular battalions. He also worked as a Detachment Commander and Chief of Personnel in the ZIPRA Forces.
After Independence in 1980, the late General returned home and was deployed at Entumbane Assembly Point before he was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army on 31 January 1981. The late General had a brilliant military carrier in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces which saw him holding the following key appointments: 1981- 1982: Acting Commanding Officer 15 Infantry Battalion. 1983- 1984: Acting Commanding Officer 28 Infantry Battalion. 1984- 1985: Commanding Officer 43 Infantry Battalion. 1985- 1986: Commanding Officer Presidential Guards Empress.1986-1989: Deputy Commanding Headquarters Presidential Guard. 1989-1992: Commanding Officer 52 Infantry Battalion. 1992-1996: Commandant Battalion Battle School. 1996-1998: Deputy Commander 5 Brigade. 1998-1999: Defence Attaché to the Republic of South Africa. 1999-2001: Deputy Commander Five Brigade. 2001-2002: Colonel Quarter Master Staff.
During his service, the late Brigadier General attended the following military courses: Officer Cadet course at Khohima Barracks in Zambia, 1977. Platoon Commanders course at Zimbabwe Military Academy in 1981. In 1981 (Feb-March) he attended an Officers’ Standardisation Course at Zimbabwe Military Academy, where he came out appointed Battalion Commander which is equivalent to Lt Colonel. Battalion Commanders Course at Zimbabwe Military Academy in 1982. Battle Group Commanders at All Arms Battle School in 1984. Intermediate Staff Course at Zimbabwe staff College in 1985. Senior All Arms Radio Users at School of Signals in 1987.
The late General Officer rose through the ranks with following promotion history; Lieutenant 1981, Captain 1984, Major 1986, Lieutenant Colonel 1987, Colonel 1994, Brigadier General- 2002 (on retirement).
The late Brigadier General was awarded the following medals for his continued dedication, selfless and exemplary service to the nation:
Liberation Medal- For his contribution towards the independence of Zimbabwe. Independence Medal- For his contribution towards the independence of Zimbabwe. Ten Years’ Service Medal- For his immense contribution to the integration, formation and development of the Zimbabwe National Army during the first ten years of its existence. Long and Exemplary Service Medal- For his Exemplary Service for continuous 15 years. Mozambique Campaign Medal- For his contribution towards the restoration of peace and stability in Mozambique. Democratic Republic of Congo Campaign Medal- For his contribution towards peace and the regard for humanity in the Democratic Republic of Congo during operation sovereign legitimacy. Grant Officer of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit Award-For his eminent achievement and distinguished Service to Zimbabwe or to humanity at large.
The then Brigadier General later joined the then Zimbabwe Prison Service, on 01 March 2002 where he was appointed Deputy Commissioner General and retired on 14 November 2006. He was subsequently appointed Commissioner at the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service Commission, a post he held until his death.
Online Reporter