VP Mohadi in Chimoio

Ray Bande in CHIMOIO, Mozambique

VICE President Kembo Mohadi has arrived in Chimoio, Mozambique, where he will tour various liberation war shrines, starting with the Nyadzonia Shrine today.

VP Mohadi’s visit, which began last night, seeks to assess the condition of liberation war shrines in neighbouring countries and take corrective action where necessary, ensuring the fallen freedom fighters rest in peace.

During the liberation war, the Rhodesian regime launched airstrikes and ground attacks on liberation forces and refugee camps in neighbouring countries, resulting in many casualties being buried on foreign soil.

This visit follows VP Mohadi’s recent trips to Tanzania, Zambia, and Angola.

The visit is part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to document and preserve the legacy of the liberation struggle, honouring fallen heroes and heroines buried in foreign lands.

VP Mohadi is accompanied on the visit by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Mozambique, Cde Victor Matemadanda, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister, Dr Omphile Marupi and Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Deputy Minister Chido Sanyatwe.

Upon arrival at Chimoio Airport, Vice President Mohadi was received by Mozambican Secretary of State for Manica Province, Professor Lourenco Lindondo, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Social Services), Reverend Paul Damasane, and Zimbabwe’s Consul General to Beira, Mr Malvern Bere.

Between today and tomorrow, VP Mohadi is scheduled to visit the Nyadzonia, Chimoio, and Doroei shrines – all located in Manica Province.

The Chimoio shrine, a former training camp for ZANLA armed forces during the liberation struggle, witnessed the loss of over 1 000 lives.

Nearby, the Nyadzonia Refugee Camp was attacked by Rhodesian forces, resulting in the deaths of more than 1 800 people.

The Doroei Refugee Camp, established on Kaitano Farm, provided refuge for survivors of the Nyadzonia massacre. However, remains of about 900 people still lie in unmarked graves at Doroei.

Mass graves have been constructed at Chimoio, Nyadzonia, Tembwe, Nyangao (Beira), Tongogara Memorial Site, and Changara.

Nevertheless, at other shrines, including Madulu, Mapai, Barrage, Chibavava, Navonde, Espungabeira, and Save, remains of those killed or deceased during the war still await proper burial in marked graves.