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Debra Matabvu
A UK museum has examined 13 human remains of heroes and heroines of the First Chimurenga as part of preparations to repatriate them back home.
The remains include those of iconic 19th century leaders such as Mbuya Nehanda, Sekuru Kaguvi, Chingaira Makoni, Mapondera, Mashayamombe Chinengundu, Mashonganyika and Chiwashuro, who put up spirited resistance against the invading white settlers in the late 1890s.
Most of the leaders were captured, killed and beheaded. Their remains were shipped to Europe, particularly the UK.
Zimbabwe’s embassy in the UK told our Harare Bureau that talks with the London-based Natural History Museum are currently ongoing.
“Zimbabwe has requested the repatriation of the human remains of Zimbabwe’s First Chimurenga heroes and heroines to Zimbabwe. The category includes the return of the head of Mbuya Nehanda, Sekuru Kaguvi, Chingaira Makoni, Mapondera, Mashayamombe Chinengundu, Mashonganyika and Chiwashura from the Natural (History) Museum,” said the embassy in written responses.
“The United Kingdom acknowledged that it had 13 sets of remains originated from Zimbabwe. The Natural History Museum also conducted physical examination of the 13 sets of remains to assist the process of establishing cultural affiliation. The department of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe was to carry out research to include Scotland and Manchester,” it added.
Government is also working with the diaspora in London to expedite the repatriations.
“The diaspora community has been actively undertaking consultations and engaged in advocacy initiatives to support Government..”
Researchers believe that Mbuya Nehanda and Sekuru Kaguvi were hanged by the British South Africa Company (BSAC) in the then Salisbury (now Harare) in 1898, on charges of banditry and rebellion. Sekuru Kaguvi was an influential political and religious leader who mainly operated in the Goromonzi area.
Bongani Ndlovu