At the Vitalis Musungwa Zvinavashe Barracks in Masvingo, Brigadier General Ephias Mahachi, outgoing Commander of the 4 Infantry Brigade, handed over the brigade flag to the incoming Commander, Brigadier General Cephas Gurira, during a formal handover/takeover ceremony.
Witnessing the change of command was Lieutenant General Anslem Sanyatwe, Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, who addressed the brigade formation, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the country’s wildlife in Gonarezhou National Park. He urged close collaboration with other government security agencies to combat the illegal smuggling of wildlife into neighboring Mozambique.
During the ceremony, Brigadier General Mahachi transitioned to a new role at Army Headquarters as Brigadier General, General Staff, while Brigadier General Gurira assumed command of the 4 Infantry Brigade after serving as Brigadier General, Administration Staff, also at Army Headquarters.
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In his remarks, Lt Gen Sanyatwe praised the efforts of 4 Infantry Brigade soldiers in combating cross-border cattle rustling and smuggling along the Zimbabwe-Mozambique border. He highlighted the significance of addressing these challenges given the porous nature of the shared border.
Specifically addressing wildlife conservation, Lt Gen Sanyatwe urged vigilance in protecting endangered species like elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes from being illegally transported into Mozambique from Gonarezhou. He charged Brigadier General Gurira with ensuring the cessation of such illicit activities.
Zimbabwe and Mozambique collaborate on joint border patrol operations, with security agencies from both countries working together to curb smuggling and other criminal activities along the border.
