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IN the last instalment, Cde WILLIE GAVHU, whose nom de guerre was Changamire Monomotapa, told us about his unit’s audacious attack on an enemy encampment on Buchwa Mountain, which eliminated over 60 Selous Scouts. He concludes his wartime account by chronicling to our Political Editor KUDA BWITITI some of the memorable battles he was involved in, as well as the final days of the liberation struggle, which he spent in present-day Matabeleland South province.
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Q: After the surprise attack on Selous Scouts, you left for Matopos. Tell us about the journey to Matopos.
A: Our journey to Matopos was on foot. It was a gruelling journey that took us through a myriad of unfamiliar landscapes. We passed through the imposing Sandawana Mine, which we closed before proceeding. We also passed through many areas in the present-day Matabeleland South province, before reaching the sacred expanse of Matopo Hills, upon which we made camp in the Stanmore area.
This was a place imbued with spiritual reverence. We did not even engage in battles with the enemy forces there because we believed in the spiritual importance of the area.
The sanctity of this land was deeply ingrained in our belief system. To engage in warfare within its boundaries was considered sacrilegious and a taboo. Thus, we were compelled to venture elsewhere whenever we wanted to confront our adversaries.
Though we successfully executed numerous ambushes against the Rhodesian security forces, due to its cultural importance, the Stanmore area, in which the Matopo Hills are situated, remained untouched throughout the conflict.
Q: Tells us more about these ambushes.
A: One of the most famous operations that we were involved in happened in Essexville, near the sacred Matopo Hills. Here, at a strategic location near a big river, we planned a deadly ambush. The Rhodesian security forces emerging from the Matopos area were unaware of our presence and marched straight into a meticulously planned ambush.
We executed the plan with precision. The enemy forces found themselves ensnared in what we called a “killing bag”, a term synonymous with the certainty of annihilation.
The element of surprise was decisive.
The Rhodesian forces were caught off-guard, with their defence crumbling under our relentless onslaught. It was a resounding victory for us, a testimony of the tactical brilliance and unwavering courage of ZANLA forces.
Q: What happened after this successful attack?
A: This was one of our last battles against enemy forces before the ceasefire was announced in 1979. I lived in Matopos until the ceasefire came.
My unit was the last among guerrillas to leave the operational area and we later went to the Zezani Assembly Point, where we joined other comrades. I stayed at the Zezani Assembly Point for about three months during the ceasefire period, which had been declared by the Commonwealth Monitoring Force.
However, an unfortunate incident happened while I was at the assembly point.
I was involved in a freak accident while exercising and got injured.
I was transferred to the Tongogara Camp in the Chipinge area for treatment. I stayed at that camp until after Independence Day, on April 18, 1980.
After recovering, I joined the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) in 1981. I served in the infantry department at the ZNA until I retired in 1996. After retiring, I benefitted from the Land Reform Programme, as I acquired an A1 plot in Manicaland.
I consider myself lucky to have survived and to be still alive today because I lost many of my comrades during the war. I also lost my brother during the liberation struggle.
Q: Can you mention some of your near-death experiences during the war?
A: In September 1977, a unit of 18 comrades that I was commanding, together with Cde Nyatwa Kashata, was ambushed by the enemy at Cold Storage Farm in the then-Chibi district, resulting in the death of six comrades, namely Herbert Sho; Edson Chikwari; Elmond Ncube; Nyatwa Kashata; Samson Mlambo and a sixth one, whom I can no longer remember.
Our group returned heavy fire but during the exchanges, three of us — Cde Nyandurai Mabhunu, another comrade named Mike and myself — were injured. We lost several guns, including seven AK-47 rifles, an RPG 2 and a pistol, which were captured by the enemy during intense fighting. However, the eighth gun, belonging to Cde Mike, an AK-47, was recovered.
During the fierce exchange of fire, we managed to kill and injure several enemy soldiers before retreating to safety. The enemy reinforced with three full Bedford trucks, but we retreated, minus our deceased comrades.
During the other battle that occurred around 7am, in October 1977, my unit of 18 comrades, which included other commanders Joe Papas, Long Joe Mackenzie and Brighton Zveropa, was attacked in a surprise ambush by the enemy while camped in Mazarire village, Chibi district. The fire from the enemy was so intense that we failed to return fire because we had been taken by surprise.
We instead concentrated on finding a way out and managed to retreat to safety, but lost one AK-47, a full bandolier and a bag containing report books. The enemy forces also killed one local girl. They also burnt many houses and killed several cattle belonging to the povo. In both these battles, I was lucky to escape.
Q: Any last words.
A: I would like to pay tribute to some of the comrades I rubbed shoulders with throughout my stay in the Gaza operational province.
Some are now late and others are still alive. Please allow me to mention all those I still remember by name.
I would like to start by saluting those who were among the very first to open that province.
These include Cdes Rape Mukharadhi, Sibambeni “Puvu” Mbhobho, Dzatiye, Mari Kunaka Varefu, Amos Tsana, Harry Tangeneropa, Naturura Ndege, Action Mudziwepo, Phillip Muchapera, Tichaona Mabhunu, Ridzai Munyaradzi, John Gunguwo, Rocky Vhunambwa, Jerry Hlongwani, Maxwel Zondiwa, Muturikwa Nemukuyu, John Chamangwiza, Charles Munyoro, Rex Tichafa, Steven Kamurai, Kungwarahakutengwi Mabhunu, Garikai Jabulani, Tendai Mukai, Chaitika Makwapu, Peter Chiweshe, Ten To Ten, Chuma Chezimbabwe, Edward Gukurahundi and Elliot Churu.
I also do not forget Cdes Trust Mhiripiri, Freddy Matanga, Lawrence Kwenda, Hector Muridzo, Watson Juru, Stopper Chiridza, Willy Dewetewe, Charles Hokoyo, Trevor Mbudzana, Hashaneyi Dzungu, Tonderai Takawira, Ephraim Zulu, Busman Tapedza, Gigidza Bishop Mutunhuwashata, Ray Mhlabanga, Dzasukwa Mwana Asinahembe, Chaya Uchinje, Tongai Vatema, Doctor Zoo, Mike Chengeta, Spenze Chiwororo, Gustav Chahwihwi, Zex Maroro, Teddy Zvorwadza, Reeds Muvhimwa, Rervis Sigola, Purpose Nkala, Maths Rimwe, Henry Muchena, Zanda Muparadzi, Mike Gromigo Madzvimbo, Mambo Mlambo, Nyasha Siyahamba, Muchatiroto Shumbayemabhunu, Biggie Chitoro, Tafa Tayambuka, Driver Panganai, John Chamangwiza, Zindiga Matombo, Dzungu Boy, Judha Smoke, Kufa Hakurotwi, Dust Forge, Jora Mago and thousands more; too many to mention here.
These and many more sacrificed their lives for the independence of our country, and many did not make it home.
Online Reporter