| Marodza hands over command of battalion to Gumbo Friday, March 10, 2006 Herald Reporter OUTGOING commanding officer of 51 Infantry Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Jones Marodza on Wednesday handed over the battalion’s command to incoming commandant Lieutenant Colonel Arnold Gumbo. Speaking at the hand-over ceremony at Ngezi Barracks, Lt Col Marodza said he was happy to leave the battalion in safe hands after three years at the helm. "It was a challenge and a pleasure to lead a battalion responsible for the provincial capital, Gweru. We managed to maintain security throughout our area of responsibility and, of course, with assistance from other security organisations," he said. The unit, he said, has made tremendous achievements in the areas of operation and training. Lt Col Marodza paid tribute to the good relationship between the battalion and the local leadership, in particular Chiefs Banga, Nhema and Matanda. He said the leadership understood and appreciated the reason for the battalion’s presence in their communities, which, among other things, was to protect the interests of the locals. Lt Col Gumbo paid tribute to his predecessor, saying he was inheriting a highly respected battalion and pledged to enforce and implement directives and instructions from the Brigade Commander. Lt Col Gumbo said he would tour the unit’s area of responsibility, which includes tactical areas of Mberengwa, Zvishavane, Shurugwi, Gweru, Lower Gweru and part of Chirumhanzu, to meet the political and traditional leadership on ways to maintain and sustain the prevailing peace. 51 Infantry Battalion is the senior of the three battalions within the Zimbabwe National Army’s Five Brigade. Five Brigade Commander Brigadier General John Chris Mupande, officers and men of the formation witnessed the ceremony. |
ZDF News
 |  |  |  |  |