Lt Col Mguni hailed as diligent, fearless officer

Richard Muponde, Sunday News Correspondent
RETIRED Lieutenant-Colonel Pearson Jacob Mguni who died in India two weeks ago has been described as one of rare breed of officers who worked diligently for the country.

Lt-Col Mguni whose liberation war name was PJ Masila will be buried tomorrow in Nyamandlovu. In his eulogy during Lt-Col Mguni’s funeral parade at Imbizo Barracks yesterday, the chief of staff (administration) in the Zimbabwe National Army, Major-General Douglas Nyikaramba, said Lt-Col Mguni was an officer who had an enviable ability to mix freely at all levels, both in his work and social life.

“The late Lieutenant-Colonel will be sadly missed in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the nation at large. During his service the late freedom fighter successfully attended and completed various courses to enhance his command and administrative skills,” said Maj-Gen Nyikaramba.

He said Lt-Col Mguni participated tremendously, persistently and consistently in the liberation struggle.

“Throughout the waging of the armed struggle, the late Lieutenant-Colonel possessed a willing and voluntary compliance to the plans and will of his superiors. He exhibited unfailing devotion and commitment to the liberation cause, showing willing efforts to carry out the intent of the revolution to the best of his abilities,” he said.

Lt-Col Mguni died on 20 September in India, where he had gone to seek treatment. He was born on 27 January in 1957 in Mwenezi District in Masvingo province. He attended his primary education at Rushumbe Primary School in Mwenezi from 1966 to 1972. He then proceeded for his secondary education at Msitheli Secondary School in Bulawayo from 1973 to 1976.

In 1977 he joined the liberation struggle after crossing the border into Botswana where he joined the Zipra forces before proceeding to Zambia from where he was sent to Angola for military training. After completing training he returned to Zambia and was then deployed to the front operating along the Zambezi River.

After the war he was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army as a private soldier. He rose through the ranks to the position of Lieutenant-Colonel on his retirement on 30 April 2003.