adminMncedisi Buhali Sunday News Reporter
RETIRED Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services (ZPCS) Superintendent Bithwell Mlotshwa, who died on Wednesday, has been declared a liberation war hero and was buried yesterday. Cde Mlotshwa, whose pseudo name was Bigboy Fuyana died at Tsholotsho District Hospital at the age of 57, after a long illness. He was born on 12 March 1958 in Ramakasane Village in Bulilima-Mangwe District.
Cde Mlotshwa did his primary education at Silima Primary School Bulilima-Mangwe where he abandoned formal education at a tender age to join the armed struggle under Zipra.
Cde Mlotshwa received military training in Zambia. He operated in Lupane and Hwange districts during the liberation struggle.
Upon independence in 1980, he went to St Paul Assembly Point where he was integrated into ZPCS in 1981 and deployed at Chikurubi Training Depot in Harare.
He served at Chikurubi Maximum Prison for eight years before being posted to Kadoma Prison for the same period.
At Plumtree Prison he served for two years as acting officer-in-charge and moved to Tsholotsho Prison for five years.
Cde Mlotshwa also moved to Hwange Prison for another five years, before finally going to Khami Medium Prison where he served until retirement in 2008.
He was promoted to principal prison officer in 2001, chief prison officer in 2003 and was later elevated to the rank of superintendent.
A decorated member of the uniformed forces, Cde Mlotshwa was awarded one liberation medal, independence medal, long and exemplary service medal and many sporting awards.
Upon his retirement from ZPCS, Cde Mlotshwa benefited from the land reform programme.
He is survived by wife, Thandiwe Gertrude Mlotshwa and four children, two daughters and two sons.
derick.khumalo