Police band leader no more

He was in charge of the three Police Dance Bands and was involved in the production of Cde Chinx’s Hondo yeMinda albums.
Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri yesterday spoke at a church service held in honour of Insp John at Morris Depot.
He said he learnt about his death two days after he had played at last week’s passout parade where President Mugabe was the reviewing officer.
“Last Thursday, we had the President here (at Morris Depot) where he played about three songs which were all liked by the President,” he said.
Comm-Gen Chihuri said President Mugabe asked Insp John to replay the song “Shine Your Light”.
“I have been working with him for so many years. He had the knowledge for music and most of the officers here would learn a lot from him and he would teach them. I am saddened by the loss,” he said.
Comm-Gen Chihuri urged the Police Band to remain united and continue with the legacy left by its colleague. Depot Commandant Senior Assistant Commissioner Grace Ndebele described Insp John as an illustrious musician, entertainer and hardworking officer.
“On behalf of the Commissioner General of Police, officers and members of the ZRP, I wish to convey our deepest sorrow and sympathy to his beloved wife, children, relatives and friends. We would like to assure you that we are all with you during this moment of mourning the loss of our beloved colleague, mentor, father, caring husband, friend and uncle,” she said.
Insp John played with several local bands such as Pax Afro, the Green Arrows, Pied Pipers, All Ghetto, Luck Street Blues and Jazz Degree.
Born on December 29, 1963 in Harare, Insp John did his primary and secondary education at Nharira Primary and Harare High School.
He joined the police on February 21, 1984 as a Constable and was attached to the police band as a trainee drummer in the Military Band and piano player in the Dance Band.
In 1994, he was promoted to  Sergeant, Assistant Inspector in 2004 and Inspector in 2008.
He served in Liberia on a United Nations peacekeeping mission in 2008.
Insp John was a holder of a Royal Schools of Music Grade Five Theory of Music certificate, Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Grade 5 piano certificate, certificate of achievement from the Zimbabwe College of Music in theory of music, keyboards and bass guitar and Bachelor of Music (Jazz) from Africa University.
He is survived by his wife Diana and three daughters — Yvonne Christiana, Kundai and Nothando Yolanda.
Insp John was buried yesterday at Warren Hills Cemetery.