Vusumuzi Dube
Sunday News Editor
The scars of the Gukurahundi massacres, which ravaged the Matabeleland region from 1983 to 1987, were beginning to heal, but a recent documentary has reopened old wounds.
Victims and their families are now reliving the trauma as those responsible for the atrocities remain unpunished and even rise to power.
The documentary, banned from TV but widely shared on social media, has sparked mixed emotions.
Many victims and their families have come forward with harrowing accounts of persecution, rape, and murder.
Auxillia Sibanda from Insuza, Matabeleland North province, a victim, had her home burnt down after speaking out in the documentary.
“Our hearts are bleeding, we wish we could live somewhere and no one finds us,” she said, revealing that she was now fearing for her life.
Reports of retaliation against those who testified in the documentary have flooded in from districts like Tsholotsho, Lupane, and Gwanda.
Families have been forced to flee and seek refuge in neighboring towns and cities. The victims’ cries for justice and reparations remain unanswered, with many still seeking an apology and compensation for their losses.
“Even being in the Red Cross and these refugee places are hard, I wish we could live somewhere and no one finds us. Our hearts are bleeding as we have to live this trauma again,” said Auxillia Sibanda and her husband Gilbert Ndlovu.
They claim that even though they reported to the police they were just told to leave phone numbers and the investigating officer will come out to talk to them.
Social media users who have spoken out against the atrocities have reported shadow banning and censorship.
Other people have claimed that their accounts have been shadow-banned due to posting and mentioning the atrocities of the ruling Zanu PF.
As the victims’ trauma is retriggered, questions arise: when will justice be served? When will the perpetrators be held accountable? And when will the families affected be able to live without fear of retaliation? The people of Matebeleland West demand answers and peace.
Online Reporter