Sidumisile Mabena
Thupeyo Muleya in Luangwa , Zambia
The Deputy Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs of Zimbabwe, Headman Moyo, has paid tribute to the innocent Zambian civilians who lost their lives in the 1978 Kakaro bombings by the Rhodesian regime during Zimbabwe’s war of liberation.
Speaking at the 2026 Kakaro commemoration on Friday evening, the Deputy Minister emphasized Zambia’s significant contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
The Kavalamanja and Kakaro Battle, was fought on March 5-6, 1978, in Zambia’s Luangwa District, where the Rhodesian carried out a.major raid targeting ZIPRA liberation forces, resulting in significant casualties among Zambian soldiers, Zimbabwean freedom fighters, and civilians.
Over 73 hours, Rhodesian forces attacked scores of, Zambian soldiers, 28 ZIPRA combatants and civilians.
The event is honoured annually in March by Zambia and Zimbabwe, marked by memorials at mass graves for the fallen.
The battle is remembered as a significant sacrifice made by Zambia in supporting the Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence from colonial rule.
“The Kakaro scenario epitomizes Zambia’s selfless and unwavering contribution to the liberation of Southern Africa,” he said.
“Zimbabwe honours the innocent Zambian nationals who sacrificed their lives at this site for the sake of freeing their brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe”.
The commemoration was attended by dignitaries, including the Zimbabwe government officials, the Zambia Army and officials from the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe and the National Heritage Conservation Commission of Zambia.
Deputy Moyo highlighted the strong cooperation between Zimbabwe and Zambia in rehabilitating liberation war sites, including Kakaro, Kavalamanja, and others.
He said the rehabilitation exercise is ongoing, with plans for further development works.
“The Kakaro scenario is one of those which epitomizes Zambia’s selfless and unwavering contribution to the liberation of Southern Africa. Zambia supported various liberation movements in countries such as Angola [MPLA] Zimbabwe [ZIPRA / ZANLA], Namibia [SWAPO] South Africa [ANC] and Mozambique [FRELIMO]. Similarly, Kavalamanja housed ZIPRA when Zimbabwe embarked on a protracted armed struggle to liberate itself from the British,” said the Deputy Minister.
“Zambia immensely contributed to the freedom currently enjoyed in Zimbabwe in recognition of this immense and selfless contribution by Zambia. Zimbabwe honours the innocent Zambian nationals who sacrificed their lives at this site for the sake of freeing their brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe”.
The event serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by both Zimbabweans and Zambians in the pursuit of independence and freedom.
He added that apart from Kavalamanja, other identified sites which the heritage managers for Zambia and Zimbabweans are working on include,
Freedom Camp [chikumbi], Nampundwe, Mkushi, Mlungushi, Sinde, Kabanga, and Kabwe’s St. Mary’s cemetery.
Online Reporter