Gutu is the NPRC spokesperson and on Tuesday courted fire
when he said the Gukurahundi issue, which claimed over 20 000 people from
Matabeleland and Midlands regions in the 1980s, was “a small tiny fraction of
issues” his commission was seized with.
The civilians were massacred by a crack army unit deployed to the region by then Prime Minister
Robert Mugabe to flush out perceived PF-Zapu dissidents.
Yesterday, traditional leaders joined human rights groups
in condemning Gutu, describing his statements as retrogressive and malicious to
the founding principles of the NPRC.
Chief Mathema of Gwanda said Gutu was not adding any value
to the NPRC and should resign with immediate effect.
“He (Gutu) lacks the calibre required for this emotive
genocide,” Chief Mathema said. “He is not a serious person and he lacks depth
in approaching the Gukurahubndi issue. He should better excuse himself from
this important commission that people hope will solve most of their problems
that relate to Gukurahundi. He lacks insight into human nature.”
President Emmerson Mnangagwa last year tasked the
traditional leaders in Matabeleland and Midlands regions to preside over the
emotive issue and consult affected citizens on the way forward.
He said government would only capacitate the process. Chief
Jahana of Insiza said Gutu was clueless when it came to dealing with matters of
conflict and could worsen the situation.
“He (Gutu) has no focus as a person coming from the region
that never lost any relative in such genocide,” Chief Jahana said.
Ibhetshu LikaZulu secretary-general Mbuso Fuzwayo said
Gutu’s remarks exposed the NPRC as a tool used by government, the chief perpetrator,
in buying time.
“The appointment of Gutu removed all doubt about
government’s unwillingness to find a lasting solution on the Gukurahundi
genocide,” Fuzwayo said.
“Gutu’s history of fraternising with the Zanu PF regime
dates back to the days of Gukurahundi genocide, where he was part of the
Judiciary that was a vital tool in human rights violations.
“It’s very unfortunate and sad that the whole NPRC can sit
and agree that the genocide, which claimed a minimum of 20 000 lives, left
thousands of women abused, raped, scores bayoneted, many people displaced,
tortured and forcibly disappeared, is nothing but a ‘small, tiny fraction’.”
NPRC chairperson Selo Nare was not reachable for comment on
Gutu’s remarks. Newsday
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