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Mukudzei Chingwere Herald Reporter
Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Constantino Chiwenga has described the late Brigadier General (Rtd) Fidelis Satuku as a polished officer, and a professional beyond reproach.

He died on Monday at 3 Field Ambulance Company in Mutare after suffering from kidney-related complications.

VP Chiwenga worked with the late during his days in the military where the former retired as commander defence forces.

“I was privileged to work with the late Brig-Gen (Rtd) Satuku, following his integration into the Zimbabwe National Army in June 1980 as a Major.

“He was a polished officer whose professionalism was beyond reproach. Due to his dedication to duty and high professional and ethical standards he was therefore seconded to the United Nations to understudy the commanders of the First Battalion Welsh Guards and Pirbright.”

VP Chiwenga said, “General Satuku was also a versatile officer, a quality that made it easier for the Zimbabwe National Army to task him variously and where it mattered most until 2015 when he retired from the service.”

General Satuku was a veteran of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and the VP also talked about his credentials in the independence war.

“Like many youths of his day and age Brig-Gen (Rtd) Satuku joined the liberation struggle when he crossed the border into Mozambique to join ZANLA forces in 1976. His second Chimurenga name was Cde George Mackenzie.

“The General briefly stayed at Doeroi Base before moving to Takawira 1 Base in 1977for his initial military training. Later he moved to Takawira Base 2 to complete military training.

“Upon completion of his training he was amongst the other comrades who were selected for further military training in Romania in 1978and got deployed to Chilimanzi Detachment of Musikavanhu sector, where he operated up to the end of the war in 1979.”

VP Chiwenga said thoughts are with the Satuku family as they endure this period of sadness and great loss.

“May they find solace in that the late General had carved a niche for himself through selfless service and become an asset beyond the family realm. His loss therefore is not their alone but also that of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the entire nation. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace,” said VP Chiwenga.