Solomon Mujuru
| Solomon Mujuru | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | 5 May 1945 |
| Died | 15 August 2011 (aged 66) Alamein Farm, Beatrice, Zimbabwe |
| Nationality | Zimbabwean |
| Political party | ZANU-PF |
| Spouse(s) | Joice Mujuru |
| Residence | Zimbabwe |
| Occupation | Military leader, Politician, Businessman |
| Military service | |
| Nickname(s) | Rex Nhongo |
| Allegiance | ZANLA |
| Years of service | 1964–1990 |
| Rank | General |
| Battles/wars | Rhodesian Bush War |
Solomon Mujuru (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. 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.
Born Solomon Mutusva in Enkeldoorn, Southern Rhodesia, Mujuru took an interest in politics at an early age. He was first arrested for his activism while a student at Zimuto High School and later joined the youth league of the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU). He was detained again by the Rhodesian authorities in 1966 and sentenced to two years' imprisonment. Upon his release, Mujuru fled to Lusaka, Zambia, where he was recruited for guerrilla training in the Soviet Union.
During the Rhodesian Bush War Mujuru, with Josiah Tongogara, led the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) while Robert Mugabe was in jail for 10 years (from 1964 to 1974). Mugabe, along with Edgar Tekere, subsequently slipped into Mozambique after their release, with assistance from chief Rekayi Tangwena, where Mujuru petitioned the insurgents to accept Mugabe as their leader.
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