Born May 1 1949 and died August 16 2011.
Joined Zanla in 1971.
Acting commander-in-chief of Zanla in 1975.
Joint leader of the Zimbabwe People’s Army – a united force of Zanla and Zipra – in 1976.
Deputy Secretary of Defence for Zanu in 1977.
Commander, Zimbabwe National Army in 1981.
Promoted to full General in 1992.
Member of Parliament for Chikomba from 1994 to 2000.
Member of Zanu PF’s politburo.
Mujuru, who died yesterday night at his Beatrice farm, was one of the architects of the country’s liberation struggle which he led from the front.
| Solomon Mujuru: 1949-2011 |
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GENERAL Solomon Tapfumaneyi Mujuru was many things to many people, but a national hero to all Zimbabweans. Soldier, freedom fighter, war hero, politician, farmer, miner, father – he answered to all of them. In the early hours of Tuesday, August 16, 2011, General Mujuru – husband of current Vice President Joice – was killed in a fire at his farm in Beatrice. He was born Solomon Mutusva in Chivhu, then Charter District, on May 1, 1949, when Zimbabwe was still a British colony known then as Rhodesia. Gen Mujuru attended Kwenda and Rufaro Mission schools for his primary education and Zimuto Secondary School outside Masvingo. While at school he took an interest to the early resistance to colonial rule, and was arrested for his political activism while doing Form 3. In the early 1960s, he gave up his job to join the Zapu Youth League as the nationalist movement inched towards armed resistance. In 1966, Mujuru was imprisoned at Khami and on his release in 1968, he skipped the country into Botswana.  From Botswana, he travelled to Lusaka, Zambia, then used as a platform for the war effort by the liberation movements. He was sent to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic, now Russia, for military training. He did further military training in Bulgaria, Egypt and Tanzania. On his return to Africa, he headed for Mozambique which was hosting fighters from the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army. In 1970, Mujuru volunteered to lead a group of 45 freedom fighters to cross into Zimbabwe from Mozambique's Tete province, becoming the first sectorial commander to lead a ZANLA force with the task of securing the north-east zone of Zimbabwe. He adopted the nom de guerre, Rex Nhongo. After 1975, Mujuru was in charge of all ZANLA forces outside Mozambique. A year later, he was appointed commander of the Zimbabwe People's Army (ZIPA) – a joint military force made up of ZANLA and Zimbabwe People’s Liberation Army (ZIPRA) fighters which was short-lived. As part of the ZANLA top command, then led by Josiah Tongogara, Mujuru was a vital cog in military planning, supervision of deployment and movement of troops in Zimbabwe. Just before Independence in 1980, he led the advance platoon that performed the highly sensitive role of preparing the arrival of the leadership of PF Zapu and Zanu PF as well as organising and managing assembly points for ZANLA and ZIPRA forces. At Independence, the ZANLA Commander became instrumental in integrating the freedom fighters into the Zimbabwe National Army.  He was soon to take over leadership of the army as a lieutenant general in 1981. After Independence, Mujuru remained resolute to the principles of the liberation struggle. Famed for his acute sense of humour, he also had strong convictions and would not sway from what he believed was right. He was once detained by the police after he and a colleague refused to leave a restaurant at Meikles Hotel because they had not worn ties. The incident triggered a law change, so anyone could dine without a tie. “We nicknamed him Chimusoro [tough headed],” remembers Mines Minister Obert Mpofu. As a natural successor to Tongagara, Mujuru was easily accepted by the comrades that made the bulk of the combined national army. Peace and stability were critical for the emerging nation. He was promoted to full general in 1992 before retiring in August of the same year to go into business. But he remained in touch with the men and women whom he commanded. As a civilian, Mujuru used some of his time to lobby the political classes to improve the welfare of war veterans, and accelerate the pace of land reforms.  In January 1995, Mujuru was sworn in as Member of Parliament for Chikomba. He relinquished his seat in 2000 but remained a member of the Zanu PF Central Committee and Politburo. Apart from tobacco farming, he also partly-owned River Ranch diamond mines – earning himself and his wife a small personal fortune. Although controversy sometimes stalked Mujuru in business and in politics, he maintained a stately silence that won him respect, reverence and even awe. Within Zanu PF, he was considered a “kingmaker” – a belief by political commentators that his links with the military meant he had first say on who succeeded President Robert Mugabe.  He led a powerful faction within Zanu PF which was ranged against another led by Emmerson Mnangagwa, their ultimate pursuit the presidency. But despite widespread media coverage of their differences, both men steered clear of engaging each other publicly. Mujuru had several accolades, including an honorary law degree; an appointment as a Grand Commander of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit, and medals for Ten Years of Exemplary Service; the Long Service Exemplary Award; and Lifetime Award in Defence of Mozambique and Zimbabwe. "He is one of the greatest among our people and his name will remain ever indelible. We can never forget what he has done,” said President Robert Mugabe. |
Death & Funeral of General Solomon Mujuru in Pictures
The following picture from London based SW Radio Africa shows the burnt out farmhouse and the exact spot (darkened area) where Mujuru’s charred body was retrieved from.
Zimbabwe’s most decorated army general Solomon Mujuru died in a suspicious fire at his farmhouse in Beatrice, 60 km outside the capital Harare. The following pictures from London based SW Radio Africa show the burnt out farmhouse and the exact spot where Mujuru’s body was retrieved from.
Sombre mood grips Chikomba villagers An army officer holds what used to be Retired General Solomon Mujuru’s military gear during the send-off parade at 1 Commando Barracks on Thursday
HEROES ACRE BURIAL
"Army General Solomon Mujuru’s funeral is the biggest state funeral since independence in 1980" - Washington Post
Mourners gather for the burial of former Zimbabwean army general Solomon Mujuru at Heroes Acre in Harare, August 20 2011.
"Army General Solomon Mujuru’s funeral is the biggest state funeral since independence in 1980" - Washington Post
Thousands turned up for Mujuru's burial at the Heroes Acre in Harare
Zimbabweans from across the political divide thronged the National Heroes Acre to witness the burial of ex-military Chief, Solomon Mujuru who was burnt to death in a fire at his farm house in Beatrice. Harare,Zimbabwe. 20th August 2011
Zimbabwean President Robert Muagbe, left, is seen with his wife Grace at the burial of former Zimbabwean army supremo General Solomon Mujuru in Harare, Saturday, Aug, 20, 2011. Mujuru who died in a fire at his farm on Monday was laid to rest with full military honours. Mugabe in his speech at the burial called on called on Zimbabweans to be peaciful and tolerant to each other ahead of anticipated elections in the country.
Supporters of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe dress up like bush Guerilla soldiers at the burial of former Zimbabwean army supremo General Solomon Mujuru in Harare,
Supporters of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe dress up like bush Guerilla soldiers at the burial of former Zimbabwean army supremo General Solomon Mujuru in Harare,
zimbabweans came in thousands to big farewell to CDE Solomon Mujuru at National Heroes Acre
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe addresses mourners at the burial of former Zimbabwean army supremo General Solomon Mujuru in Harare, Saturday, Aug, 20, 2011. Mujuru who died in a fire at his farm on Monday was laid to rest with full military honours.
Zimbabwean President Robert Muagbe, left, is seen with his wife Grace at the burial of former Zimbabwean army supremo General Solomon Mujuru in Harare, Saturday, August, 20, 2011. Mujuru who died in a fire at his farm on Monday was laid to rest with full military honours.Mugabe in his speech at the burial called on called on Zimbabweans to be peaciful and tolerant to each other ahead of anticipated elections in the country
Soldiers carry the coffin of former Zimbabwean army general Solomon Mujuru during his funeral at Heroes Acre in Harare, August 20 2011.
Vice-President Joice Mujuru kneels before a portrait of her late husband Retired General Solomon Mujuru and the casket containing his body at Stodart Hall in Mbare yesterday morning.
President Mugabe consoles Vice-President Joice Mujuru during the burial of her husband, the late Retired General Solomon Mujuru, at the National Heroes’ Acre in Harare yesterday, while Fr Fidelis Mukonori looks on
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