The Minister of Defence, Hon Oppah Chamu Zvipange MUCHINGURI-KASHIRI, the Deputy Minister of Defence, Brigadier General (Rtd) Hon Levi MAYIHLOME, the Secretary for Defence, Cde Aaron Daniel Tonde NIHEPA, Commander Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio SIBANDA, Service Commanders, General and Air Officers, Chief Director, Directors, Senior Officers, Officers, Men and Women of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and Staff of the Ministry of Defence, join His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde Dr ED MNANGAGWA and the Nation at large, in conveying deepest condolences to the Mzheri family following the untimely passing on of National Hero, Brigadier General Mpandasekwa MZHERI.
- 1950: Born on March 7th in Mberengwa District, Midlands Province.
- 1974: Joined the liberation struggle as a ZIPRA cadre in Zambia and received his initial military training.
- 1975: Moved to Mugagau under the Zimbabwe People’s Army (ZIPA). Later that year, he moved to Morogoro Training Camp in Tanzania for further military training.
- 1977: Sent for military leadership training in the Soviet Union. On his return, he was appointed Deputy Commander at Freedom Camp.
- Later in 1977: Appointed Military Administrator in the President’s Office at the ZAPU Headquarters in Lusaka, Zambia.
- 1979: Deployed as a Military Advisor to the ZAPU delegations during the Lancaster House peace talks in Britain.
- 1981: Joined the newly formed Zimbabwe National Army as a Colonel after independence.
- 1987: Promoted to Brigadier General. In the same year, he held the appointment of Commander 3 Infantry Brigade.
- 1987-1989: Served as Commander Special Task Force Mozambique.
- 1997-1999: Served as Director General Defence Policy, Public Relations and Protocol.
- 1999: Retired from the military.
The late Brigadier General (Rtd) Mpandasekwa Mzheri, whose Chimurenga name was Comrade Khetani Khanye who passed away on 06 October 2025 in Harare, was born in Mberengwa District, Midlands Province, on 07 March 1950. He joined the liberation struggle in 1974 as a ZIPRA cadre in Zambia where he received his initial military training at Mwembesi Military Camp. He was later moved to Mboroma Transit Camp in 1975 before moving on later that year to Mugagau under the Zimbabwe People’s Army (ZIPA), the short lived combined force made up of ZANLA and ZIPRA cadres.
In late 1975, he moved to Morogoro Training Camp in Tanzania for further military training. Some of the instructors at the training Camp included the now Commander Defence Forces General PV Sibanda and Brigadier General (Rtd) Mazinyane. His fellow cadres at Morogoro included, the current Zimbabwe Ambassador to Angola, Major General (Rtd) Thando Madzvamuse.
The late Brigadier General, was later sent for military leadership training in the then Soviet Union. On his return in 1977, he was appointed Deputy Commander at Freedom Camp and was subsequently appointed Military Administrator in the President’s Office at the ZAPU Headquarters in Lusaka, Zambia. His duties included being a liaison officer with Russian, Zambian and Cuban Officers.
In 1979 the late Brigadier General was deployed as Military advisor to the ZAPU delegations during the Lancaster House peace talks in Britain. After independence, he joined the newly formed Zimbabwe National Army in 1981 as a Colonel and was promoted to Brigadier General in 1987. During his distinguished career in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, the late Brigadier General, held various senior appointments including Commander 3 Infantry Brigade in 1987, Commander Special Task Force Mozambique 1987-1989 and Director General Defence Policy, Public Relations and Protocol 1997-1999.
He retired in 1999 and he will be remembered by many for his enormous contributions towards the struggle for independence and an illustrious military career spanning over three decades of unwavering dedication, patriotism and selflessness service to his country.
We extend our profound condolences to his family and loved ones during this time of grief. May the Almighty God grant them comfort and strength.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
‘Ministry of Defence: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030.’
Inserted by ZDF Public Relations Office, Tel: 08688007596
