The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has marked a historic milestone with the appointment of Lieutenant Colonel Grace Muriri as the new commanding officer of 52 Infantry Battalion, becoming the first woman to lead the unit since independence in 1980.
Lieutenant Colonel Muriri takes over command of the Battlefields-based Battalion, known as the Burning Spear, from Lieutenant Colonel Tongai Hove, who has been reassigned to lead the 3 Presidential Guards Battalion after overseeing several successful national operations.
Lt Col Hove commended the unit for its discipline and unity during his command. “During my tenure with 52 Infantry Battalion, we were together in various operations such as Operation Hakudzokwi Phase 64 in Chiyadzwa, Operation No to River Bed Mining and Exercise Mbada Inoruma. In all these operations, I want to applaud you for your dedication as officers and men of 52 Infantry Battalion. We managed to build the confidence of every man and woman of 52, and we forged our ability to operate as a powerful unified team,” he said.
Witnessing officer and Commander of Five Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General Lawrence Munzwararikwa, urged members of the Battalion to give full support to the new commander.
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“I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Lt Col Muriri on your promotion and subsequent appointment as the commanding officer of 52 Infantry Battalion. Knowing your expertise and capabilities, I do not doubt that you will build on the foundation laid by your predecessor and even scale to greater heights,” he said.
Lt Col Muriri pledged to uphold discipline and enhance operational readiness. “As I take on this new respective role, I want to emphasise the importance of discipline, unity and teamwork. Our strength lies not just in our individual skills, but in our ability to work together towards a common goal. In the face of adversity, we must remain steadfast, supporting one another and continuing to foster an environment of trust and collaboration,” she said.
She added that the Battalion would remain committed to the highest ethical standards.
“Every action we take must reflect the values of integrity, honour and respect. We will prioritise training with a view to enhancing our operational capabilities and readiness,” said Lt Col Muriri.
The Zimbabwe National Army said the transition at 52 Infantry Battalion reflects the government push for gender inclusion and empowering women in leadership positions across the security sector, while reinforcing the army’s constitutional mandate to maintain peace and protect the country’s territorial integrity.
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