Source: ZNA committed to combat readiness – herald
Remember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe National Army has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high levels of combat readiness following the successful hosting of the 2026 Chief of Staff (General Staff) Annual Shooting Competition, which showcased exceptional marksmanship and operational skills among security forces.
Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony in Harare yesterday, ZNA Chief of Staff (General Staff), Major General Augustine Chipwere, said the competition plays a critical role in sharpening the army’s musketry skills and ensuring that the country’s security forces remain prepared to deal with any threats to national peace and stability.
Maj-Gen Chipwere said the competition also serves as a launchpad for selecting the best marksmen who will represent the army in other national, regional and international shooting competitions.
“It is pertinent to note that the Zimbabwe National Army uses the Chief of Staff (General Staff) Annual Shoot and the Commander Zimbabwe National Army Skill at Arms Shoot as launchpads to select the best fighters who will compete in other service, regional and international shooting competitions,” he said.
This year’s edition attracted participants from various security services and civilian organisations, reflecting the collaborative spirit among institutions responsible for safeguarding national security.
Among the participants were members of the Air Force of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, the President’s Department and several civilian shooting clubs.
Corporal Leonard Mhlanga of One Commando Regiment was named overall best shooter of the competition and was awarded US $1 000 in cash.
Maj-Gen Chipwere said the participation of different security agencies and civilian shooters strengthens co-operation and fosters mutual understanding between the defence forces and society.
“I am confident that such an arrangement goes a long way in fostering the much-needed spirit of co-operation as well as cementing the good relations between the security services and civilian society,” he said.
“The involvement of civilian shooting clubs promotes a sense of competition and gives the shoot a diverse outlook while allowing participants to sharpen their skills and standards.”
Competitors took part in several rifle matches which required them to fire from different positions and at varying shooting ranges.
Maj-Gen Chipwere said the exercises exposed participants to both timed and deliberate shooting drills, requiring them to engage targets quickly and accurately under pressure.
“These matches involved different shooting practices which required participants to fire from different positions at different shooting ranges,” he said.
“The shoot further exposed participants to timed shoots which required them to engage targets in both snap and deliberate exposures.”
Maj-Gen Chipwere said the competition was highly contested, particularly during the falling-plate knockout stages where many teams were eliminated, leaving only four teams to battle it out in the final round.
“I am informed that there was stiff competition in the falling-plate knockout stages as evidenced by the elimination of many teams, leaving just four teams to participate in today’s knockout finals,” he said.
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