Michael Mataka is notable in making history as the first native African to become commissioner of the Zambian police. He also had a featured role in

George Marshall George Catlett Marshall Jr. (31 December 1880 – 16 October 1959) was an American army officer and statesman. He rose through the United States Army to become Chief of Staff of the United States Army, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army under pres ...

directed film ''

Duel in the Jungle A duel is an arranged engagement in combat between two people with matched weapons. During the 17th and 18th centuries (and earlier), duels were mostly single combats fought with swords (the rapier and later the small sword), but beginning in t ...

''.

Police career

Mataka joined the Northern Rhodesia police force in 1941 as a constable. Later he became senior instructor at the training depot. In 1952, he was an Inspector with the Northern Rhodesia Police Force. Also at age 39, he was the first African to be promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector, Grade 1. On November 1, 1965, it was announced in Lusaka that Mataka was to be appointed as the first Zambian Commissioner of Police. He replaced the previous commissioner, British born Lawson Hicks. In 1969, he was still Police Commissioner. In 1970, following a traffic accident from which he received serious physical injuries, he was retired on medical grounds. In 1975, 1977, he was on the Kitui Liquor licensing Board.

Post police career

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

''Duel in the Jungle''

In 1954, Mataka appeared in ''Duel in the Jungle'', a film that starred

Jeanne Crain Jeanne Elizabeth Crain (May 25, 1925 – December 14, 2003) was an American actress. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her title role in ''Pinky (film), Pinky'' (1949). She also starred in the films ''In the Meantime, Da ...

Dana Andrews Carver Dana Andrews (January 1, 1909 – December 17, 1992) was an American film actor who became a major star in what is now known as film noir and later in Western films. A leading man during the 1940s, he continued acting in less prestigio ...

, David Farrar and

Patrick Barr Patrick David Barr (13 February 1908 – 29 August 1985) was an English actor. In his career spanning over half a century, he appeared in about 144 films and television series. Biography Born in Akola, British India in 1908, Barr was educat ...

. In the film which was shot in Africa, he played the guide Vincent. Mataka was praised by director George Marshall for his performance in the film and described as priceless. His role in the film was quite prominent. 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. Mataka was offered a contract but after the film, he returned to police work in Livingstone saying that he preferred police work to acting.Courier Magazine Section November 20, 195
Page 2. African Talent Proves Priceless By George Marshall, Noted Director
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References

{{authority control British South Africa Police officers Zambian police officers Zambian male actors