Plumtree soldier shoots self

Auxilia Katongomara Chronicle Reporter
A PLUMTREE-BASED soldier shot himself through the mouth while deployed in Chimanimani in a suspected case of suicide, the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has confirmed. ZNA spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Alphios Mokotore on Tuesday said Lieutenant Cedrick Tawanda Chimbwembwe, 24, of 13 Reserve Force Battallion at One Infantry Brigade, was found dead by his colleagues after shooting himself twice in the mouth on Thursday last week.

The soldier was buried at Guinea Fowl Cemetery in Gweru on Sunday.

“Lieutenant Chimbwembwe shot and killed himself with a Browning service pistol at Wengezi Operational Base near Cashel Valley Estates in Chimanimani on Thursday 20 November,” said Lt Col Makotore.

He said Lt Chimbwembwe had been deployed at the base together with other members of the ZNA and the Zimbabwe Republic Police Support Unit.

“He shot himself through the mouth while on patrol with other members of the security forces. His colleagues heard two shots being fired and when they searched the area they found his body,” the army spokesperson said.

He said the incident was attended to by Cashel Valley Police.

“It has since been established that the officer had domestic problems. Homicide police investigations have since established that this was an apparent case of suicide and no foul play is suspected,” said Lit Col Makotore.

Lt Chimbwembwe is survived by wife Bridget Tasara Chimbwembwe and two children.