Michael Mataka

Michael Mataka is notable in making history as the first native African to become commissioner of the Zambian police.[1] He also had a featured role in George Marshall directed film Duel in the Jungle.[2][3]

Michael Mataka
Other namesMikaeli Mataka
Police career
CountryNorthern Rhodesia, Zambia
AllegianceZambia
Service years1950s to 1970
RankAssistant Inspector, Grade 1 (1960)
Commissioner of Police (1965)
AwardsColonial Police Medal
Other workDiplomat

Police career

Mataka joined the Northern Rhodesia police force in 1941 as a constable. Later he became senior instructor at the training depot.[4][5] In 1952, he was an Inspector with the Northern Rhodesia Police Force.[6] Also at age 39, he was the first African to be promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector, Grade 1.[7] On November 1, 1965, it was announced in Lusaka that Mataka was to be appointed as the first Zambian Commissioner of Police. He has replaced the previous commissioner, British born Lawson Hicks.[8]

In 1969, he was still Police Commissioner.[9] In 1970, following a traffic accident from which he received serious physical injuries, he was retired on medical grounds.[10] In 1975, 1977, he was on the Kitui Liquor licensing Board.[11][12]

Post police career

In 1975, 1977, he was on the Kitui Liquor licensing Board.[13][14] He was also a diplomat in Angola and Egypt.[15]

Duel in the Jungle

In 1954, Mataka appeared in Duel in the Jungle, a film that starred Jeanne Crain, Dana Andrews, David Farrar and Patrick Barr.[16] In the film which was shot in Africa, he played the guide Vincent.[17][18] Mataka was praised by director George Marshall for his performance in the film and described as priceless.[19] His role in the film was quite prominent.[20] Marshall was looking for a man to man to play the role of Vincent and when he went to the police station to discuss some issues, he saw Mataka who at the time was a 32-year-old inspector. Mataka filled the requirements of having the impressive appearance and high intelligence. He was what Marshall needed for the film. He was borrowed from the force for three months to work in the film. Mataka was invaluable to Marshall and helped as second assistant director. He helped with the local dialects that were spoken by the extras and he knew the conditions locally, and he couldn't have got anywhere without his help in directing the native extras. Marshall said he was the best second assistant director he ever had.[21] Mataka was offered a contract but after the film, he returned to police work in Livingstone saying that he preferred police work to acting.[22][23]

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References
  1. The history of the Northern Rhodesia Police by T. B. Wright (Colonel.) Page 257
  2. The Age April 22, 1965 Television Programmes Saturday ABV-2 8.50 Screenplay
  3. Screen World Vol. 6 1955 Page 93
  4. Africa Police Journal Vol 1 No 4 Page 26
  5. The history of the Northern Rhodesia Police by T. B. Wright (Colonel.) Page 256
  6. SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 5 JUNE, 1952 3042 COLONIAL EMPIRE For Meritorious Service
  7. Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland Newsletter - Federal Information Department, Government of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, 1960 428
  8. Africa Research Bulletin Blackwell, 1965
  9. Schenectady Gazette Feb 11, 1969 Page 22, Jehovah's Witnesses Protest in Zambia
  10. History and Reformation of Zambia Police Service By Francis Xavier Musonda
  11. The Kenya Gazette 7 February 1975 127
  12. The Kenya Gazette 13 May 1977 504
  13. The Kenya Gazette 7 February 1975 127
  14. The Kenya Gazette 13 May 1977 504
  15. Sub-Saharan Africa Report, 2201-2207 98
  16. Journo Do Brasil Jan 2, 1976 Pagina 7 Televisão, Os Films de Hoje, Duelo na Selva
  17. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Wednesday September 29, 1954 Page 8 The Jungle's Around Them
  18. New York Times Duel in the Jungle (1954) The Screen in Review; ' Duel in the Jungle' Has Debut at Paramount H. H. T.
  19. The Afro American July 3, 1954 Page 7 Priceless African
  20. American Film Institute Catalogue of feature films
  21. Courier Magazine Section November 20, 1954 Page 2. African Talent Proves Priceless By George Marshall, Noted Director
  22. The history of the Northern Rhodesia Police by T. B. Wright (Colonel.) Page 257
  23. Courier Magazine Section November 20, 1954 Page 2. African Talent Proves Priceless By George Marshall, Noted Director
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