Former ZPRA fighters are commemorating the 38th anniversary of their former commander, Lookout Masuku’s death, lamenting how the government is yet to acknowledge its role in his death and the deaths of thousands during the Gukurahundi genocide.
Lieutenant General Masuku died on April 5, 1986, at the age of 45, two days before his 46th birthday.
His death occurred shortly after his release from prison. He had been detained for four years along with 86 other former Zipra officials, including the late Dumiso Dabengwa, on alleged charges of plotting to overthrow then-Prime Minister Robert Mugabe’s government in 1982. Despite the High Court clearing them, the Zanu government rearrested them upon release and detained them illegally.
In an interview with CITE, the ZPRA Veterans Association spokesperson, Buster Magwizi, condemned the government’s failure to promote reconciliation.
“Unfortunately, 44 years have passed since independence, and there is still no reconciliation in the country,” Magwizi said. “We expect the government to fully commit to reconciliation and acknowledge the wrongdoing carried out by the state against figures like Masuku.”
“Masuku’s death should be a lesson for achieving national unity, prosperity, and development. These cannot be achieved while there are unresolved issues and a refusal to address them directly,” he added.
Magwizi said Masuku died a sorrowful death because he remained a prisoner even after his release.
“He was declared a liberation hero posthumously, yet initially, he was targeted as an enemy of the state. This is a painful episode where liberation war heroes were immediately accused by their former comrades from Zanu,” said the ZPRA veterans spokesperson.
“Masuku and other ZPRA cadres were labelled enemies despite their immense contribution to the liberation struggle. They were denied the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of independence they helped bring about. This is a very sad episode,” Magwizi lamented.
Magwizi claimed Zimbabwe remains in a state of “negative peace” due to the government’s failure to reconcile and address past conflicts.
“We don’t know when we will move from negative peace to positive peace and achieve true conflict transformation,” Magwizi said, adding that many unresolved issues need government attention.
“These include the Gukurahundi genocide, which the government has taken too long to address and achieve complete peace in the country,” he said.
Magwizi criticised the government for pretending all is well.
“It’s unfair for the leadership to use videos and audio of those they once considered enemies for nation-building purposes. Why not fully address the issue of Lookout Masuku?” he questioned.
“Today, Mrs Masuku is a widow by the state because her husband was killed by the state, and people are just watching it happen,” Magwizi said.
Magwizi emphasised the importance of peacebuilding, even after 44 years of independence.
“Peacebuilding should be taken seriously now, even if it’s 44 years after independence. Other countries have addressed such issues after much longer periods. We still have the memories,” the ZPRA spokesperson said.
The ZPRA Veterans Association considers Masuku’s commemoration a significant event. “Masuku stood for the country but was killed by those who didn’t want peace and unity. They didn’t want ZAPU and ZPRA to exist, yet today they use everything ZAPU and ZPRA built for their own benefit, unfortunately at the expense of ZAPU and ZPRA cadres,” Magwizi said.
“Today, Lookout Masuku must be turning in his grave because all that he fought for has not been achieved,” he concluded.
Secretary General of the ZPRA Veterans Association, Petros Sibanda, added that Masuku’s death marked the height of the Gukurahundi massacres and became a major turning point in post-independent Zimbabwe’s political landscape.
“On this day, April 5th, we remember a loving husband, father, gallant fighter, hero, and colleague who is still dearly missed. It’s been 38 years, and your memory will forever be with us until we finally meet again. Rest in peace, General Lookout Masuku,” Sibanda said.
