The remains of a villager from Sipepa, Tsholotsho, in Matabeleland
North Province who was killed during the Gukurahundi era that rocked
Matabeleland and Midlands provinces in the early 1980s were exhumed on Sunday
as part of the peace and reconciliation initiative.
Thembi Ngwenya (21) was shot and killed in 1983 and had
been buried near the railway line, but her remains were now exposed.
The exhumation was done by Ukuthula Trust. National Peace
and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) commissioners witnessed the exhumation.
In an interview after the exhumation, NPRC chairperson
Justice (Retired) Sello Nare said they were invited to observe the exhumation
by the trust and they went as part of the reconciliation process.
He however, said the NPRC had not yet started any
exhumations, which are part of a raft of measures to bring finality to the ugly
spot in the post-Independence history of Zimbabwe.
“We were invited by Ukuthula Trust to witness the
exhumation exercise in Sipepa, Tsholotsho. Remains of one person were exhumed
and they’re set for reburial,” said Justice Nare.
He said as the NPRC, their role was to inform people that
people could talk about Gukurahundi, share their experiences and contribute
towards the healing process.
“President Mnangagwa said people should talk freely about
Gukurahundi. This will help us move on as a nation,” said Justice Nare.
President Mnangagwa met with civic society organisations
from Matebeleland last month under the banner of Matabeleland Collective, where
he said Government would provide assistance to victim and communities affected
during the period.
He has encouraged people to openly discuss their
experiences during the disturbances while Government has come up with various
measures to assist victims.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage will
facilitate the issuance of birth certificates and death certificates for
victims affected by Gukurahundi and will also facilitate the exhumation and
reburial of victims.
The ministries of Health and Child Care and Public Service,
Labour and Social Welfare ministries would provide medical assistance to
victims of Gukurahundi.
The Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural
Resettlement Ministry would also prioritise the completion of the Matabeleland
Zambezi Water project, which is expected to unlock economic value to
communities. Herald
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