adminA traditional leader has urged Government to honour First Chimurenga heroes in the same manner that it is honouring those that sacrificed their lives during the Second Chimurenga.
Chief Mutekedza (Mr Andrew Zhakata) of Chikomba district in Mashonaland East province made the call ahead of this week’s Heroes Day commemorations.
“As a nation, we must remember those heroes that sacrificed their lives during the First Chimurenga. We must honour them in the same manner that we are doing to Second Chimurenga heroes. There is no provisions for First Chimurenga heroes during national Heroes Day commemorations,” Chief Mutekedza said.
The chief also called for the return of the heads of those chiefs that were murdered by the colonialists and had their heads shipped to London.
“The Zimbabwe Bird, which is the symbol of this country, was repatriated. In my view, I think the heads of Chingaira and Chiwashira, among others, should have been repatriated a long time ago. The heads of our fallen heroes are on public display in London. This means that the spirit of the heroes are yet to be appeased,” Chief Mutekedza added.
A descendant of the late Chief Chiwashira, a feared First Chimurenga warrior who was executed by the colonialists in 1890, Chief Mutekedza said the history of the First Chimurenga was deliberately distorted.
“Chief Chiwashira is often portrayed as a rapist who was killed by the whites after he had abducted and forcibly married a white woman. The truth is that Chief Chiwashira was a feared warrior who was killed for resisting colonialism,” Chief Chiwashira said.
Historical accounts states that Chief Chiwashira, together with Chief Chinengundu, were executed at Fort Charter and their heads were shipped to London as war trophies.
Chief Chiwashira is best known for engaging the colonialists in fierce battles at Zuru and Zhororiya mountains in Chikomba districts.
Online Reporter