Leaders of Original Zapu (O Zapu) on Saturday toured the grave site of late national hero Dumiso Dabengwa in Ntabazinduna, expressing outrage over ongoing illegal gold mining activities threatening the resting place of the former liberation commander.
The delegation, led by O Zapu president Mathew Sibanda visited the shrine to assess the extent of damage caused by illegal miners operating barely 40 metres from the graveyard.
The miners have reportedly dug gullies as deep as eight metres, posing serious danger to the grave site, a nearby church and community livestock.
The tour coincided with February 21, a day declared a national holiday in honour of former President Roberet Mugabe.
However, O Zapu chose to mark the day by honouring Dabengwa, whom they described as a principled liberation stalwart and commander.
Speaking during the visit, Douglas Ndiweni, son of the late Ntabazinduna paramount chief Khayisa Ndiweni appealed to government to urgently intervene and safeguard the graveyard.
“We are appealing to the government to use the national heroes status fund to protect Dumiso Dabengwa’s grave and the entire graveyard. The fund should be disbursed to Umguza Rural District Council so that graders and manpower can be deployed to reclaim the land degraded by illegal miners,” pleaded Ndiweni.
He said police had been notified and were trying to control the situation, but illegal miners reportedly return at night after officers leave.
The ore is allegedly being processed at a hammer mill operating about 100 metres from the graveyard.
Ndiweni also called on authorities, including police, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the Ministry of Mines to shut down the illegal milling operation if it is operating without proper documentation.
“In our culture, when we bury a loved one, we say rest in peace. But how can our national hero rest in peace when his grave is under threat from blasting and illegal mining? This place must be one of tranquillity and respect,” he said.
While stressing that he was not against youth mining initiatives in general, Ndiweni said such activities should not take place near a sacred community graveyard.
He suggested that young miners could partner with a local farmer whose land stretching towards Inyathi is believed to be rich in gold deposits.
O Zapu Sibanda said the party was deeply disturbed by what he termed the “desecration” of their late leader’s resting place.
“We are very concerned about the desecration of the grave of our late leader and commander. We have come here not only to assess the damage but to stand in solidarity with the local community and the Ndiweni traditional leadership,” Sibanda said.
“We cannot fold our hands while our leaders and commanders are being dishonoured in this manner. Dabengwa dedicated his life to the liberation of this country. The least we can do as a nation is to protect his final resting place,” he said.
The O Zapu president said his party is encouraged that the local community and traditional leadership shared their concern and were prepared to work together in safeguarding the shrine.
He also called on national leaders to reflect on the values of the liberation struggle.
“As we remember our past leaders, we must also ask ourselves whether we are upholding the principles they fought for justice, dignity, respect for our heritage and protection of our people. There are many things that are not happening correctly in this country. Let us be guided spiritually by our forefathers such King Lobengula, King Mzilikazi and Mambo so that we lead with wisdom, humility and respect for our sacred sites,” Sibanda said.
After touring the damaged areas, Sibanda and other O Zapu leaders joined Ndiweni and members of the community in laying wreaths and cleaning Dabengwa’s grave as well as that of his late wife.
The party said it would engage relevant authorities to ensure immediate intervention, including the fencing of the graveyard and the rehabilitation of land damaged by illegal mining.
Community members expressed hope that government would urgently act to preserve the dignity of the national hero’s resting place and restore peace to the area. Dabengwa died on May 23 2019 ,at the age of 79 while en route home from India where he had sought medical treatment.
He was declared a national hero and was buried at his family ‘s graveyard in Ntabazinduna.
Support CITE’s fearless, independent journalism. Your donation helps us amplify community voices, fight misinformation, and hold power to account. Help keep the truth alive. Donate today