Story by Regis Mhako
A funeral parade has been held for the late Air Force of Zimbabwe senior officer, Air Commodore Pius Maketo at the Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo Air Force base in Chegutu.
Air Force of Zimbabwe Commander, Air Marshall Elson Moyo gave a citation of the late Air commodore’s rich military history after he started off in the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) before joining the Airforce of Zimbabwe in 1988, where he trained as a pilot and flying instructor.
Air Marshall Moyo noted, “He left an exemplary legacy. The Airforce of Zimbabwe will be poorer without him. He received several honours and awards including the DRC and Mozambique campaign medals.”
His colleagues gave eulogies on the exploits of the late Air Commodore.
DG Operations Air Commodore George Ngundu said, “He was a fast learner who learnt the tricks of the field with ease. His death is a great loss.’’
Chegutu West legislator Honourable Dexter Nduna noted, “He was a fortress of the Zimbabwe defence forces. While He went into flying, I was into combat and air traffic controlling and we worked well together.”
Sporting colleague Chris Rukawo said, “We were together on a fateful day, only to hear of the news of his death 20 minutes after leaving us at the country club in Chegutu. We are in great pain and shock.”
The late Air Commodore Maketo will be buried in Gweru this Friday.
He is survived by his wife and four children.
