BRIGADIER General (Rtd) Victor Tapiwa Chashe Rungani, also known by his wartime aliases Cde Nyoka, Victor Chikudo, and Jackson Moyo, passed away on the 22nd of April 2025 at Mbuya Dorcas Hospital in Harare. He was 76 years old.
Born on 29 June 1949 in Chinobva Village, under Chief Mukanganwi in the Bikita District, Masvingo Province, he was the son of Hudson Maimboti Rungani and Christina Rungani (née Kujinga).
Education and Early Political Involvement
Cde Rungani commenced his education in 1958 at Mashingaidze Primary School in Zaka, completing Sub A to Standard 2. He later transferred to Mutimwi Primary School for Standards 3 and 4, and then to Zimuto Primary School in 1965 for Standard 5, completing his primary education in 1966. He enrolled at Zimuto Secondary School in 1967 for Forms 1 and 2 before transferring to Luveve Secondary School in Bulawayo in 1969 for Forms 3 and 4.
In 1971, he relocated to Salisbury (now Harare) and settled in Highfield’s Zororo Western Triangle Section, a known hub of nationalist activity. There, he joined the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and became an active member of the Zimbabwe Youth League.
During the Pearce Commission period in 1973, he was elected Organising Secretary for the Highfield Youth Branch, and later served as Organising Secretary for the Highfield District.
Liberation Struggle Contributions
In 1975, Cde Rungani crossed into Mozambique, staying briefly at Machaze, Chibawawa, and Nyadzonia Base Camps, before receiving military training at Mapinduzi Military Camp in Chimoio. After completing his training in early 1976, he was deployed to the Department of Transport, serving as Head of ZANLA Workshops.
In 1977, he joined the ZANLA General Staff and was appointed Provincial Transport Director for Manica Province, later transferring to Gaza Province. He played a key role in frontline operations, serving in Sector Two of Gaza and later commanding Sabotage Operations in Sector Three.
Cde Rungani was also deployed in advance detachments in Filabusi, Gwatemba, and Fort Rixon, and contributed to the opening of liberation war detachments in Gwanda and Matonjeni/Matopos. By July 1979, he held several strategic positions and assembled at Juliet Assembly Point (Zezani) during the ceasefire.
Post-Independence Service
Following Zimbabwe’s independence, Cde Rungani was integrated into the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and became Commanding Officer of 43 Infantry Battalion in Gutu, Masvingo Province. In 1987, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel.
He undertook various military courses within the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), advancing both his operational and administrative capabilities. Throughout his military career, he held numerous command posts that benefited from his deep knowledge and leadership.
He retired from active military service in 1998 and went on to serve in the Ministry of War Veterans of the Liberation Struggle, continuing his dedication to national development and the welfare of liberation war veterans.
