Solomon Mujuru
Zimbabwean military officer and politician / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Solomon Mujuru (born Solomon Tapfumaneyi Mutusva; 5 May 1945 – 15 August 2011), also known by his nom-de-guerre, Rex Nhongo, was a Zimbabwean military officer and politician who led Robert Mugabe's guerrilla forces during the Rhodesian Bush War.[1] He was an influential figure in Zimbabwe's post-independence politics.
Rtd. General Solomon Mujuru | |
---|---|
Second Gentlemen of Zimbabwe | |
In office 6 December 2004 – 15 August 2011 | |
Vice President | Joice Mujuru |
Preceded by | Maud Muzenda (as Second Lady, 2003) |
Succeeded by | Auxillia Mnangagwa (as Second Lady, 2014) |
Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces | |
In office 1981–1992 | |
President | Robert Mugabe |
Preceded by | Peter Walls |
Succeeded by | Vitalis Zvinavashe |
Personal details | |
Born | Solomon Tapfumaneyi Mutusva (1945-05-05)5 May 1945 Enkeldoorn, Southern Rhodesia |
Died | 15 August 2011(2011-08-15) (aged 66) Alamein Farm, Beatrice, Zimbabwe |
Resting place | National Heroes Acre |
Nationality | Zimbabwean |
Political party | ZANU-PF |
Spouse | Joice Mujuru |
Residence | Alamein Farm |
Occupation | Military leader, politician |
Nickname | Rex Nhongo |
Military service | |
Allegiance | Zimbabwe Defence Forces |
Branch/service | Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army Zimbabwe National Army |
Years of service | 1964–1990 |
Rank | General |
Battles/wars | Rhodesian Bush War |
He was from the Zezuru clan. In post-independence Zimbabwe, he went on to become army chief before leaving government service in 1995. After leaving his post in the Zimbabwe National Army, he got into politics becoming Member of Parliament for Chikomba on a Zanu PF ticket. He was generally regarded as one of the most feared men in Zimbabwe. His wife, Joice Mujuru, became vice-president of Zimbabwe in 2004.