adminGeorge Maponga
Masvingo Bureau
Suspected fortune-seekers, including gold panners, have been accused of desecrating the graves of some members of Cecil John Rhodes’ Pioneer Column who are credited with the setting up of Zimbabwe’s first town, Fort Victoria (now Masvingo) in 1890.
The Pioneer Column, which was on its way to Mashonaland to complete the conquest of Zimbabwe, built Fort Victoria at a site seven kilometres from the present day site of Masvingo City.
Some of the members succumbed to diseases and their remains were interred in a cemetery nearby, with imposing tombstones that still stand today.
Treasure hunters and gold panners have dug holes around some of the graves, raising fears that these relics might be completely destroyed.
Friends of Joshua Nkomo Trust director Mr Rayban Sengwayo on Thursday decried the state of the graves, which he described as part of the nation’s heritage.
Mr Sengwayo exhorted the responsible authorities to make sure the graves were preserved for the benefit of future generations.
“Our President is currently pushing for Zimbabwe to engage with the world and for our country to be readmitted into the Commonwealth, but we are failing to look after the graves of members of the Pioneer Column,” he said.
“It is our heritage as a country and a boon for tourism and it is a cause for serious concern that these graves are being dug up because they are not secured.
“The National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) and the police should intervene and make sure the graves are secured.”
Mr Sengwayo suggested that the NMMZ should even consider outsourcing the security of the graves to private players.
Online Reporter