Zimbabwe’s political landscape has been shaken by the untimely demise of Brigadier-General (Rtd) Michael Chaminuka, a former personal assistant to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. The 62-year-old war veteran passed away in Harare on Saturday evening after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering loyalty and service to the nation.
Chaminuka, who hailed from Nkani Village under Chief Nematombo in Hurungwe, Mashonaland West, had a distinguished military career spanning decades. He first took up arms in the late 1970s, joining the liberation struggle against the Ian Smith regime and training at the iconic Tembwe Base 2 in Mozambique.
Following Zimbabwe’s hard-won independence, Chaminuka’s dedication to the country’s defence and security apparatus only deepened. He rose through the ranks, eventually serving as a personal staff officer to Chiwenga during the latter’s tenure as the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander.
Chaminuka’s role in the dramatic events of November 2017 that culminated in the ousting of the late President Robert Mugabe cannot be overstated. As a trusted confidant of Chiwenga, who led the military intervention, Chaminuka was a key player in the coup that ushered in the Emmerson Mnangagwa administration.
Tragically, Chaminuka’s passing adds yet another name to the list of Chiwenga’s close allies who have met their demise under suspicious circumstances since the historic coup. Generals Sibusiso Moyo and Perrence Shiri, prominent figures in the overthrow of Mugabe, were among those who met untimely ends. Their deaths cast a somber shadow over the nation, leaving many questioning the true nature of these tragic events.
Dr. Michelle Chaminuka, the daughter of the fallen war hero, confirmed her father’s passing, revealing that he breathed his last at the Trauma Centre in Harare. The family, now left to grapple with the void left by Chaminuka’s departure, consists of his devoted wife, Lillian, and their five children—two sons and three daughters.
Mourners are currently gathered at the family residence, number 353 Valyonga Close in Glen Lorne, Harare. Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.
It is with a heavy heart that the nation mourns the loss of a revered leader, Brigadier-General (Rtd) Michael Chaminuka. His passing has left a void that will be deeply felt, not only by his family but by the entire country.
Born on January 2, 1962, in Nkani Village under Chief Nematombo in Hurungwe, Mashonaland West Province, Chaminuka’s journey was one of unrelenting dedication to his homeland. From his humble beginnings at Kapfunde Primary School in Hurungwe, he embarked on a path that would shape the course of his life.
Even in the face of adversity, Chaminuka’s commitment to his education remained steadfast. When the Ian Smith regime closed Columbus Secondary School in Honde Valley, Manicaland Province, he quickly adapted and continued his studies at St John’s Chikwaka Secondary School. It was during this time that the seeds of his unwavering patriotism were sown, paving the way for his eventual involvement in the Second Chimurenga – the Zimbabwean liberation struggle.
In late 1977, driven by an indomitable spirit, Chaminuka joined five others in crossing the border into Mozambique, their destination the heart of the liberation movement. At the iconic Tembwe Base 2, he underwent rigorous training, honing his skills as a freedom fighter in the quest for Zimbabwe’s independence.
Chaminuka’s unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership were recognized when President Robert Mugabe promoted him from the rank of colonel to that of brigadier general in September 2013. This well-deserved elevation was a testament to the immense contributions he had made to the nation’s defense forces. Prior to his promotion, Chaminuka had served as the trusted personal staff officer to Constantino Chiwenga during his tenure as the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander.
