Rhufus Chigudu Declared National Hero

Rhufus Chigudu, a decorated military commander and a Brigadier-General who succumbed to an undisclosed illness at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals last week has been declared a national hero, The Herald reports.

64-year-old Chugudu who died on 24 September’s family in Gweru was informed about his national hero status by Midlands Provincial Minister Larry Mavima who said:

I was sent by His Excellency the President (Cde Mnangagwa) to relay the message that Brigadier-General Chigudu has been declared a national hero. He will be interred at the National Heroes Acre on a date to be advised

The family was happy that he was honoured and I am also very grateful to the President and the Politburo, for honouring Cde Chigudu. He sacrificed for his country by going to war at a young age and was also instrumental in the integration of the forces after independence. It is sad that he died this year soon after his promotion in June from Colonel to a Brigadier-General.

A short bibliography about Chigudu published by the Herald says:

Brig-Gen Chigudu joined the liberation struggle in 1976 and received military training at Doroi Camp in Mozambique, before receiving further training in Romania.

The late freedom fighter was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army on April 1, 1981 and was given several responsibilities in the military including army inspections, research and development.

He was promoted to the rank of Brig-Gen on June 11 this year. Brig-Gen Chigudu’s Chimurenga name was Cde Promise Chombo.

Rhufus Chigudu is one of the ZNA officials that were promoted by President Mnangagwa 6 months before their retirement. 

More: The Herald