Story by Peter Chivhima
A funeral parade has been held in honour of the late Brigadier General (Rtd) Mathias Ngarava, who has been described as a dedicated cadre whose service and contributions to the nation will always be remembered.
Family members, colleagues and fellow officers gathered at Charles Gumbo Barracks for the funeral parade of Brigadier General (Rtd) Ngarava, who passed away on 25 December at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital.
The parade was presided over by the Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, who said the country had lost one of its finest military officers.
“Brigadier General (Rtd) Mathias Ngarava was one of the finest general officers Zimbabwe has ever produced a dedicated cadre whose contributions to both the Zimbabwe National Army and the nation will always be remembered. He joined the Zimbabwe National Army in 1982 as a sergeant, and through unwavering commitment and professionalism, he later rose into the officers’ corps,” he said.
Colleagues and friends also paid tribute to Brigadier General (Rtd) Ngarava, describing him as a father figure and mentor.
“We have lost a man who was always ready to assist everyone. We worked with him in Mashonaland West Province, and he was more than a colleague; he was a father figure, a mentor, and a source of wisdom and strength to many. His humility, leadership and unwavering commitment will be deeply missed,” said ZANU PF War Veterans League Mashonaland West Province Chairperson, Cde Happison Muchechetere.
Brigadier General (Rtd) Ngarava was born in 1959 in Chivi District, Masvingo Province, where he undertook his primary and secondary education.
He joined the liberation struggle in 1976 through Chikombedzi and, after completing military training, was deployed to Gaza Province.
Following Zimbabwe’s Independence, he joined the Zimbabwe National Army in 1982 as a sergeant and rose through the ranks to attain the rank of Brigadier General.
He retired from active military service in 2024.
Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.
