Shurugwi villagers living in fear of wartime grenades, landmines
By Dumisani Ndlovu
Villagers in Donga area of Shurugwi, Midlands province are living in fear of being blown up by grenades or other explosives which they suspect were planted during the country’s liberation war in the 1970s.
Although responsible authorities were not too keen to comment on the matter, in a telephone interview Kwedu News spoke to local Headman Mapendere under Chief Ndanga who confirmed the incident and was quick to refer the issue to the Zimbabwe National Army for clarifications.
“Yes its true young man, the incident happened here, I wasn’t there myself but I got the information from the local police station. They confirmed it’s true. According to them the grenade was found at a nearby river by a certain child,” he said
Headman Mapendere suspected the dangerous explosives could be those used by the comrades during wartime because the Donga area was a fierce war area. So it’s possible. They could not however ascertain whether the grenade was an old or a new one.
Soldiers had to move fast to try to detonate the explosive without success, they however took it away.
The incident which happened last Friday 28 April 2023 left many villagers in constants fear and questioning their safety.
“Following these events, people are now living in fear of war time objects and grenades. Parents are now also fearing for their children who they believe might also pick up these dangerous weapons, “said one government official who declined to be identified for professional reasons.
ZANLA forces were operating in Donga, Shurugwi during the time of the war.
A middle aged man who only identified himself as Dumoluhle running a self-help business at Donga well known as Chachacha said there was need for awareness campaigns and demining activities since there was still weapon residue from the war in the lethal objects.
Dumoluhle added, “The problem is that this is not the first time such objects have been picked and reports being made.
“However, there seems to be no will from the responsible authorities to come and inspect the area since it had a high activity of freedom fighters.”
Another villager Emily Mpofu from Chiborise village echoed the same sentiments were echoed saying action needs to be taken before villagers lose lives from grenades.
“There is an urgent need for the army to move in and demine the area. Villagers are living in fear as one doesn’t know when they will stumble upon such objects.
Various Midlands province areas such as Zvishavane and Silobela, just to mention a few, previously recorded a number of deaths caused by live grenades and landmines.
In November last 2019, a three-year-old minor was blown up by a grenade in Muchogwe while his siblings were also left battling for their lives at Gweru Provincial Hospital.
Questions sent to Zimbabwe National Army Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Alphios Makotore where not responded at by the time of posting.
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