The grave of a liberation hero faces a direct threat from violent miners. Illegal gold diggers are endangering the burial site of former Home Affairs minister Dumiso Dabengwa in Ntabazinduna. The late Zapu president rests beside his wife at the Emanxeleni location. Local headman Harvard Phangwana reports these miners threaten multiple homes and have already destroyed one family’s grave, leaving bones exposed.
Community leaders describe the miners as violent outsiders, possibly with local collaborators. A petition targets an individual claiming to be the acting chief, suspected of enabling the chaos. The mining activity damages roads and fields, creating general instability. Zapu president Sibangilizwe Nkomo has called for revised laws to protect sacred sites and villagers from such exploitation.
Dabengwa led the Zipra intelligence wing during the armed struggle. He was later detained on treason charges before serving as a government minister. After leaving office, he revived the Zapu party and supported opposition presidential candidates. His legacy as a national figure adds gravity to the community’s plea for protecting his resting place.
Community leaders describe the miners as violent outsiders, possibly with local collaborators. A petition targets an individual claiming to be the acting chief, suspected of enabling the chaos. The mining activity damages roads and fields, creating general instability. Zapu president Sibangilizwe Nkomo has called for revised laws to protect sacred sites and villagers from such exploitation.
Dabengwa led the Zipra intelligence wing during the armed struggle. He was later detained on treason charges before serving as a government minister. After leaving office, he revived the Zapu party and supported opposition presidential candidates. His legacy as a national figure adds gravity to the community’s plea for protecting his resting place.
