Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
VETERANS of the liberation struggle remain haunted by the harrowing events of December 1979, when 11 Zipra fighters were ambushed and gunned down by Rhodesian forces at Cross Jotsholo as they made their way to an assembly point at St Paul’s Mission in Lupane.
The combatants were travelling aboard a Pullen Bus Company coach from Jotsholo Business Centre, following the declaration of a ceasefire marking the end of Zimbabwe’s brutal war for independence.
However, instead of peace, they met a tragic fate.
Ten of the fighters were buried beneath a tree just metres from the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road, while one of them, Cde Lizwe Moyo, who was the first to be shot while stationed atop the bus in a security formation, was laid to rest alone on the opposite side of the road.
The ambush nearly reignited the armed conflict as anger flared within Zipra assembly points. Enraged fighters threatened to resume battle in retaliation, ignoring appeals for calm from their commanders.
Senior figures such as the late General Lookout Masuku and intelligence supremo Cde Dumiso Dabengwa urged restraint, but their pleas were initially rejected. The situation only de-escalated following the personal intervention of the late nationalist icon and Zipra Commander-in-Chief, Dr Joshua Nkomo.
In the heat of the moment, Cde Dabengwa was even briefly detained by fellow combatants for advocating order.
Yet, 45 years into independence, the resting place of the fallen heroes remains an open field — unmarked, unfenced, and without recognition. Matabeleland North war veterans’ chairperson, Cde Sonny Mguni, said the neglected state of the site continues to cause distress among former Zipra fighters.
“We are still haunted by what happened in December 1979, particularly us ex-Zipra guerrillas. It’s painful just to think about it. These gallant sons of the soil deserve a dignified burial that reflects their sacrifice for this nation,” he said.
Cde Mguni recalled how, a few years ago, a Chronicle report on the condition of the graves prompted a visit by a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence, Home Affairs, Veterans of the Liberation Struggle and Security, led by Cde Albert Nguluvhe. Officials from the National Museums and Monuments also pledged to preserve the site as a national monument with a commemorative plaque.
“They said the process would begin by identifying the relatives of those buried there, but nothing has happened since,” said Cde Mguni.
Survivor and commander of the ambushed group, Cde Moses Moyo, shared a chilling account of the massacre and his suspicion that the bus driver may have colluded with the Rhodesians.
He described how, as they approached the main road, a Puma army truck was parked nearby. Instead of slowing down, the bus driver accelerated towards it, then abruptly stopped and fled.
“That’s when we knew something was wrong. A comrade on top of the bus shouted that a helicopter was approaching. Suddenly, gunfire erupted, and most bullets were aimed at the bus entrance to block our escape. Those on top returned fire, buying us a chance to flee,” said Cde Moyo.
He vividly recalled the moment Cde Lizwe cried out after being hit.
“He’s the one buried alone. The other 10 lie on the other side of the road, together, under a tree,” he said.
Cde Moyo and the remaining 10 fighters managed to escape and regroup, yet the trauma has never faded.
“We thought the war was over, but our comrades were butchered. Today, their graves remain exposed and forgotten,” he said.
Cde Moyo identified the 11 fallen heroes as Cdes Nhlanganiso Mariepha Ndlovu from Plumtree, Washington Khumalo from Kezi, Charles Moyo from Gwanda, Portiva Mzala Mbedzi from Beitbridge, David Madubeko Moyo from Gwanda, Zethi Malata Ngwenya from Gwanda, Lizwe Ngwenya from Gwanda, Teams Mzingeli from Tsholotsho, Oceans Magutsha from Gwanda, Temba Tshabangu from Plumtree and Themba Ndlovu from Plumtree.
Cde Moyo appealed to the Government to honour the heroes by fencing off the burial site and erecting a commemorative plaque bearing their names.
Bongani Moyo