RETIRED COLONEL NDLOVU DECLARED PROVINCIAL HERO

By Innocent Muchochomi in Bulawayo

Retired Colonel Patrick Vinki Ndlovu, who passed on last Friday at United Bulawayo Hospital, has been declared a provincial hero.

Ndlovu, who succumbed to kidney ailments, will be laid to rest at Nkulumane Provincial Heroes Acre in Bulawayo on Wednesday.

A letter from the Zimbabwe National War Veterans Association addressed to Honourable Obert Mpofu requesting for the liberation war hero status states that:
“The late Patrick Vinki Ndlovu will be buried on 15th March at Nkulumane Heroes Acre in Bulawayo.”

Born on February 5, 1956 in Mberengwa, Ndlovu, whose chimurenga name was Gamatox, fought in the liberation war struggle against the settler Rhodesian colonial rule at a tender age in the early 70s. He later became a member of the Zimbabwe National Army as 2nd lieutenant after the cease-fire.


Ndhlovu rose through the ranks and got elevated to a full Colonel, a position he held until he retired on August 31, 2021.

He is survived by his wife, three children, and four grandchildren.

Bereaved relatives and friends gathered at 14 Shirley Cripps Ave, Malindela in Bulawayo described Ndlovu’s death as an incalculable loss saying he was irreplaceable.

“We have lost a disciplined and humble cadre who tirelessly advocated for uplifting the living standards of war veterans. We will never have someone like him,” said Clemen Moyo, a war veteran.

Ndlovu’s cousin Melusi Mashaba said his uncle’s passing was a painful blow that had impacted the family fabric.

“Uncle always lectured on the importance of academic improvement, not to indulge in drug and substance abuse or any criminal activities.

“He was so accommodating. He interacted with everyone regardless of your social status,” Mashaba said.

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