‘We must not allow Gukurahundi to happen again’ – Mnangagwa hails talks

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said that open discussions about the sensitive issue of the Gukurahundi Massacres are necessary to prevent similar killings from happening again.

Ironically the Zanu PF leader played a key role as the State Security Minister during the eighties when an estimated 20 000 innocent civilians were slaughtered by the notorious North Korean trained Fifth Brigade of the Zimbabwe National Army.

In an interview on the Brick by Brick platform, Mnangagwa said his ongoing meetings with traditional leaders have been fruitful. He emphasised that discussing Gukurahundi is crucial to achieving closure and ensure that such mass killings never occur again.

“In fact, there is not a question of finding a solution. When we meet, we are discussing what happened in the past.

“Why did it happen? We must discuss that openly. And everybody should understand and accept the situation of what happened and make sure we should not allow such events to happen again because both sides must be talking to each other.

“We had several meetings and if you were able to attend, you could see the enthusiasm that the Second Republic has brought through this approach,” the President said.

In the early 1980s, a dark cloud fell over Zimbabwe. The Gukurahundi Massacres, named after a Shona term symbolising a cleansing rain, swept through the Matabeleland and Midlands provinces.

Then-leader Robert Mugabe and his state Security Minister, Mnangagwa, who is now the current president, allegedly endorsed these atrocities.

The violence targeted civilians. The killings only ceased in 1987 when a power-sharing agreement was reached.

Joshua Nkomo, a prominent leader during the fight for independence and Mugabe’s rival with strong support in Matabeleland, agreed to join the ruling party in exchange for an end to the bloodshed.

Despite the accord, the wounds of Gukurahundi remain raw. Victims yearn for answers and apologies.

The nation is set to begin public hearings to address the Gukurahundi Massacres.

The hearings, to be led by 70 traditional chiefs from Matabeleland North and South provinces, aim to document the matter, identify those affected and establish solutions.

Chief Mtshane Khumalo, president of the National Council of Chiefs, said traditional leaders have undergone training and received equipment to facilitate the hearings.

“We will be able to engage with people and hear their concerns,” he said.

The hearings will follow a manual that emphasises inclusivity, ensuring participation from women, youths, and even ex-combatants.

Attorney-General Virginia Mabhiza recently described the hearings as “historic” and a demonstration of the government’s commitment to fostering peace and reconciliation.