Online Reporter
George Maponga
Masvingo Bureau
THE Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) is close to clearing the Crooks Corner-Sango Border Post minefield in Chikombedzi by 2028, bringing an end to a deadly legacy of the liberation war.
The 53-kilometre stretch along the Mozambican border was heavily mined by Rhodesian Security Forces to prevent the influx of freedom fighters.
However, decades later, the mines continue to maim and claim lives.
To date, 96 percent of the minefield has been cleared, with only eight kilometres remaining.
Speaking during an Explosive Ordnance Risk Education music gala at Dumisa Primary School in Chikombedzi on Saturday, ZNA Chief of Staff General Staff, Major-General Augustine Chipwere, praised the local community for its symbiotic relationship with the army.
“This synergy dates back to the liberation struggle, where our relationship with the masses was like that of fish and water,” he said.
“The Gezani community was very resolute then, and I implore you to continue working with our security forces to fight this landmine menace.”
Maj-Gen Chipwere warned villagers against rushing into recently cleared areas.
“I plead with you not to build houses, farm or graze livestock there yet. Parts of the cleared area have not undergone quality control to certify they are completely safe,” he said, singling out the Madzanda area.
He decried the toll of landmines on people and animals, and acknowledged the vital role of local chiefs, headmen and village heads in educating their communities.
In his address, Chief Sengwe paid tribute to the ZNA’s demining programme, highlighting its transformative impact.
“Our area used to be a treacherous jungle infested with hidden deathtraps,” he said.
“Thanks to the ZNA, this land is now being repurposed for sustainable agricultural projects that contribute meaningfully to national programmes.”
For generations, villagers in the Limpopo Valley have endured the loss of life, limb and livestock.
The demining initiative is a key part of the national Vision 2030, aligning the goal of public safety with the quest to create an upper middle-income economy.
An estimated three million landmines were planted along Zimbabwe’s borders with Mozambique and Zambia by the former Rhodesian regime.
The awareness gala, headlined by sungura artiste Mark Ngwazi, served to reinforce the safety message, particularly targeting women and children, whom Maj-Gen Chipwere identified as being at the highest risk while performing daily chores like fetching water and firewood.
