Story by Tafara Chikumira
LIEUTENANT Colonel Grace Muriri has made history in the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) by becoming the first commanding officer of the 52 Infantry Battalion.
She becomes the second Battalion Commander in the ZNA after Colonel Hlengiwe Dube, who commanded the 5:1 Infantry Battalion and is now the first Female Director of Army Public Relations.
Based in Battlefields, Midlands Province, the 52 Infantry Battalion, also known as the Burning Spear, now marks a significant milestone as Lieutenant Colonel Muriri assumes command.
Her appointment reflects the Second Republic’s ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusion and empower women in leadership roles within the security sector.
She takes over from Lieutenant Colonel Tongai Hove, who has since assumed command of the 3 Presidential Guards Battalion after leading several successful operations to restore order in the country.
“During my tenure with 52 Infantry Battalion, we were together in various operations such as Operation Hakudzokwi Phase 64 in Chiyadzwa, Operation No to River bed Mining and Exercise Mbada Inoruma. In all these operations, I want to applaud you for your dedication as officers and men of 52 Infantry Battalion. We managed to build the confidence of every man and woman of 52, and we forged our ability to operate as a powerful unified team. The Burning Spear today stands as an example of the strength of the community it protects,” outgoing Commander 52 Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Tongai Hove said.
Five Infantry Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Lawrence Munzararikwa, who was the witnessing officer during the handover-takeover ceremony, rallied the 52 Infantry Battalion to render maximum support to the incoming commander for smooth operations to continue at the Unit.
“I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Lt Col Muriri on your promotion and subsequent appointment as the commanding officer of 52 Infantry Battalion. Knowing your expertise and capabilities, I do not doubt that you will build on the foundation laid by your predecessor and even scale to greater heights. Honour the history and customs of the Unit and be open to new ideas that enhance effectiveness and resilience,” he said.
The incoming commander says she is ready to take over from her predecessor and lead the Unit with pride.
“As I take on this new respective role, I want to emphasise the importance of discipline, unity and teamwork. Our strength lies not just in our individual skills, but in our ability to work together towards a common goal. In the face of adversity, we must remain steadfast, supporting one another and continuing to foster an environment of trust and collaboration.
“I also want to reaffirm our commitment to the highest ethical standards anchored on the highest standards of discipline. Every action we take must reflect the values of integrity, honour and respect. We will prioritise training with a view to enhancing our operational capabilities and readiness,” incoming Commander 52 Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Grace Muriri said.
The ZNA are a special force in the country mandated to maintain peace and protect the country’s territorial integrity from adversaries.
