The legendary Leopard at Mutare Museum

 

Lloyd Makonya
Correspondent

AT the peak of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, and at a time when Zimbabwe’s freedom fighters were turning on the screws on the Rhodesian forces through guerrilla warfare tactics during the turbulent years of the 1970s, landmines posed a deadly threat to both military personnel and civilians.

The relentless attacks by the guerillas on transport and supply routes left devastation in their wake, and crippling essential services.

In response, engineer and farmer, Ernest Konschel, alongside his colleagues, James Higginson and Skollie Schoultz, set out to design a vehicle that could withstand the destructive force of landmines, while protecting its passengers.

Their solution, The Leopard—a revolutionary mine-resistant vehicle that defied conventional design.

 

By positioning its wheels away from the main body and using a deep ‘V’-shaped hull to deflect blast energy, the Leopard dramatically reduced the impact of landmine explosions.

With an open-top design to equalise pressure during a blast, roll bars to prevent overturning, and specially placed fuel tanks for safety, the Leopard became a lifeline for those navigating mine-infested roads.

The vehicle’s first test was done by the Rhodesian army at Inkomo ranges in December 1974, and successfully defeated the mine blast.

The Leopard project was driven by Puzey & Payne, the main VW agents in the country that time, but the vehicles were built at Willowvale Motor Industries Ltd which had the facilities between 1975 and 1979.

Over 725 Leopards were built, saving countless lives and becoming a vital asset for government departments, businesses, and essential services like the Post Office, health services, and power supply companies.

Its rugged design made it a preferred choice for traversing Zimbabwe’s treacherous terrains.
Though not an armoured vehicle, the Leopard’s lightweight, but resilient structure allowed it to survive explosive encounters with minimal damage, often enabling quick repairs and redeployment.

With a Volkswagen 1600cc air-cooled engine, modified suspension, and specialised safety harness, it provided a practical, yet effective solution to the landmine crisis of the time.

The Leopard displayed at Mutare Museum stands as a reminder of innovations which were born out of necessity during the struggle for independence.

This is more than just a vehicle; it is a symbol of Rhodesian forces’ relentless pursuit to persecute the masses in the face of intensified efforts for freedom by Zimbabwean freedom fighters.