New army commander for Plumtree

Sifundiso Ndlovu Chronicle Reporter
A NEW commanding officer took over command of the Plumtree-based 13 Reserve Force Battalion at the border town on Thursday.
Lieutnant Colonel Oscar Tshuma took over from Lieutenant Herbert Sipanera who was reassigned to the Zimbabwe Staff College at the beginning of the year.

The hand-over take-over parade was witnessed by the Commander of One Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General Thomas Moyo.

Lt Col Tshuma comes in from Army Headquarters Training branch where he was the grade one Staff officer responsible for tactical doctrine.

In his acceptance speech, he commended Lt Col Sipanera for setting high standards of discipline.

“I will endeavour to maintain a battalion that is well-disciplined as set by my predecessor and ensure that it remains the envy of the ZNA (Zimbabwe National Army),” he said.

Sipanera, who has been the commanding officer for the last three years, urged members of the district Joint Operations Committee (JOC) to work well with the new commander.

“I appreciate the time I was a member of the district JOC. The unity which prevailed was excellent. Please continue to do the same with Lt Col Tshuma,” said Lt Col Sipanera.

The hand-over ceremony was attended by heads of government departments and the Plumtree business community.

A parade was mounted by soldiers from 13 Reserve Force Battalion where the unit colours were handed over to the incoming commander.