The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) on Wednesday hosted a Civil-Military Relations and Civic Education delegation on a guided heritage tour of Harare Central Prison and Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison as part of efforts to preserve Zimbabwe’s liberation history and strengthen collaboration among the country’s security institutions.
Held under the theme “Remembrance, Reflection and the Preservation of National Heritage,” the tour took delegates through historical sites including the Execution Chambers, Incinerator and Grave Site, which were used during the colonial era and remain significant landmarks in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
The delegation was led by Brigadier General Zitterson Gideon Sabeka, Director General for Civil-Military Relations, and included representatives from the Zimbabwe National Army, Air Force of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Republic Police and the President’s Office.
Speaking on behalf of Commissioner-General Dr Moses Cyril Ngawaite Chihobvu, ZPCS Commissioner Christmas Tarwira said the visit was aimed at preserving the country’s history while fostering appreciation of its national heritage.
“As ZPCS, we regard this visit as special because you join us not merely as visitors, but as messengers, researchers and preservers of the proud history of our motherland, Zimbabwe,” said Commissioner Tarwira.
Representatives from the Zimbabwe National Army, Air Force of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Republic Police, the President’s Office and ZPCS pose for a group photograph during the heritage tour of Harare Central Prison and Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison.
He said the correctional service views historical preservation as central to national identity and institutional development.
“As custodians of national security, we recognize that history is the foundation upon which the future of our country is built. Through this tour, our guides will lead you in revisiting a difficult chapter of our past and in appreciating how that history has shaped the modern ZPCS and its mandate in corrections and rehabilitation,” he said.
The tour focused on sites associated with colonial-era executions, providing delegates with historical context on Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and the evolution of the country’s correctional system.
Commissioner Tarwira said the initiative would also strengthen relations between ZPCS, other security agencies and communities through a shared understanding of the country’s historical heritage.
“We believe this experience will deepen the bond between Prisons, other Security Services, our communities and our shared heritage as a nation. We look forward to meaningful engagements and stronger partnership within our organisations,” he said.
The heritage tour forms part of ongoing civil-military relations and civic education initiatives aimed at promoting national unity, preserving historical sites and enhancing cooperation among Zimbabwe’s security institutions while educating stakeholders on the country’s liberation history.
The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Military Police have arrested two suspected bogus recruitment agents in Harare after they allegedly posed as military officials and attempted to defraud a job seeker of US$150.
The suspects, Lyton Katedza (23) and Tadiwa Goriwoto (17), were arrested on 11 July 2026 at Market Square bus terminus in Harare’s Central Business District following an operation by the ZNA Military Police.
According to the ZNA, Katedza allegedly contacted Carey Chandipwisa (22) of Zengeza 4, Chitungwiza, claiming to be a recruiting officer who could facilitate his enlistment into the Army in exchange for a US$150 processing fee.
The victim reportedly became suspicious after being asked to pay the money and alerted the ZNA Military Police, who set up a trap that led to Katedza’s arrest. During investigations, Katedza allegedly implicated Goriwoto, who was subsequently arrested. The two suspects were later handed over to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Harare Central for further investigations.
Speaking on the arrests, Colonel Hlengiwe Dube, Director of Army Public Relations, urged members of the public to be vigilant and avoid falling victim to recruitment scams.
“The ZNA further reiterates that recruitment is never conducted through third parties, middlemen, or paid facilitators, and warns that anyone demanding money in exchange for recruitment is operating illegally and should be reported to the nearest ZNA Camp or nearest police station,” said Colonel Dube.
Colonel Dube added that members of the public can also report such cases directly to the ZNA Military Police Investigations Branch on 0712 842 318 or (0242) 252 094.
“The ZNA remains committed to protecting the public from manipulation and ensuring that those who prey on desperate job seekers face the full wrath of the law,” Colonel Dube said.
Decorated former Zimbabwe National Army senior officer, Major General (Retired) Richard Ruwodo, has died. He was 72.
Maj Gen (Rtd) Ruwodo died on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Avenues Clinic in Harare.
Confirming the death, Director of Army Public Relations Colonel Hlengiwe Dube said the Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, had expressed deep sadness over the passing of the retired senior officer.
“The Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, is saddened to announce the untimely death of Major General (Retired) Richard Ruwodo, which occurred on 7 July 2026 at Avenues Clinic, Harare,” Col Dube said in a statement.
She said Maj Gen (Rtd) Ruwodo is survived by his wife, Lois Ruwodo, and three children.
Mourners are gathered at House Number 92, Folyjon Crescent, Glen Lorne, Harare, while burial arrangements will be announced in due course.
Maj Gen (Rtd) Ruwodo was among the Zimbabwe National Army’s most decorated retired senior officers, serving the country’s defence forces for decades in both military and public administration roles.
He rose through the ranks to become Brigadier General before being promoted to Major General upon his retirement in August 2008.
Following his military career, Maj Gen (Rtd) Ruwodo served as Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans’ Affairs.
He also held senior positions as Chief Director and Director for War Veterans’ Affairs, where he played a key role in formulating and implementing policies affecting former liberation fighters.
He was widely recognised for championing the welfare of liberation war veterans, regularly appearing before parliamentary committees to advocate for improved pensions, healthcare and expanded economic opportunities for ex-combatants.
Maj Gen (Rtd) Ruwodo also chaired and served on several boards and trusts, including the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association board, which was mandated to advance economic empowerment initiatives and secure benefits for war veterans.
Tributes from government officials, military colleagues and veterans are expected as the nation reflects on the life and service of one of the country’s most respected retired military officers.
Further details, including funeral and burial arrangements, are expected to be announced by the family and the Zimbabwe National Army.
Quietly rising through the ranks of the Zimbabwe National Army over decades of military service, Major General Fidelis Mhonda has now reached one of the most significant milestones in his career following his promotion by Commander-in-Chief President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The President elevated the Presidential Guard Brigade Commander from Brigadier General to Major General with effect from June 22, recognising an officer who has spent years serving in one of the country’s most sensitive military assignments.
The new rank was officially conferred during an investiture ceremony held at Defence House in Harare on Tuesday, where Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Emmanuel Matatu officiated on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief.
Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Emmanuel Matatu (left) poses for a photograph with newly promoted Major General Fidelis Mhonda after the investiture ceremony at Defence House in Harare on Tuesday.
For the past six years, Major General Mhonda has commanded the Presidential Guard Brigade, an elite formation of the Zimbabwe National Army responsible for protecting the President, State House and other strategic national installations.
He assumed command of the brigade in 2019, succeeding Major General Anselem Sanyatwe, and has overseen one of the military’s most critical security units during a period marked by evolving security demands and increased responsibilities.
His latest promotion places him among the senior leadership of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and reflects confidence in his leadership and service.
Speaking after receiving his new rank, Major General Mhonda described the promotion as one of the defining moments of his military career.
“I am truly honoured to stand before you today receiving this promotion to the rank of Major General. It is a meaningful moment in my career, and I would like to thank the Commander-in-Chief, Head of State and Government and President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, through the Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the Commander Zimbabwe National Army, for believing in me and giving me this opportunity,” he said.
The newly promoted officer also paid tribute to fellow soldiers and colleagues who supported him throughout his career.
“I am deeply grateful to my colleagues who challenged, inspired and supported me every step of the way. This promotion is not just a personal milestone; it reflects the incredible teamwork and collaboration I have experienced,” he said.
The investiture ceremony attracted senior commanders from the Zimbabwe National Army, the Air Force of Zimbabwe and other service chiefs, underlining the significance of the promotion within the military establishment.
As Major General Mhonda assumes his new rank, he continues to lead the Presidential Guard Brigade, the unit entrusted with the security of the Head of State and some of the country’s most strategic institutions.
His promotion marks not only a personal achievement but also another chapter in the leadership of one of Zimbabwe’s most important military formations.
