Rising Concerns Over Unexplained Deaths Among Zimbabwe's Liberation Veterans
As Zimbabwe gears up to observe Heroes Day on August 11, a former commander of the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (Zipra) has voiced serious concerns about an alarming trend: the unexplained deaths of veterans who played a pivotal role in the country’s struggle for independence. Andrew Ndlovu, who once served as a Regional Zone Commander in Northern Front 2 (NF2) during the liberation war, has raised questions about the high number of veterans passing away under mysterious circumstances.
Ndlovu emphasized that the rate at which these veterans are dying is deeply troubling. He called for a thorough investigation into the possible causes, including the potential impact of historical chemical warfare or the neglect of veterans' welfare. His concerns were shared with Southern Eye, where he expressed his dissatisfaction with the current situation.
“It is very alarming, and I’m calling upon the government of Zimbabwe, through the War Veterans ministry, to look into this matter seriously,” Ndlovu said. He questioned whether the high number of deaths was merely coincidental or indicative of deeper systemic issues, such as inadequate healthcare and support for those who fought for the nation’s freedom.
Many veterans have died in poverty, leaving their families in dire straits amid challenging economic conditions. This, according to Ndlovu, is unacceptable given the sacrifices made by these individuals for the country’s independence.
Calls for Better Support and Compensation
Ndlovu also criticized the slow progress in increasing the monthly pensions for war veterans. He advocated for a complete overhaul of how the government distributes funds and benefits to ensure that veterans can better support their families. One suggestion he made was allowing veterans direct access to project funding without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
He urged the government to release payments owed to those vetted in 2022, 2023, and 2025, noting that many have died without ever receiving their benefits. Ndlovu insisted that the state must take responsibility and ensure that the families of deceased veterans are compensated.
“Delay has cost lives. The government must now act with urgency and respect the sacrifices made by these gallant sons and daughters of the soil,” he said.
Land and Property Rights for Veterans
In addition to financial support, Ndlovu called for the immediate return of Zipra Nitram properties, which were acquired during the liberation struggle but remain inaccessible to many Zipra veterans and their descendants. He also urged the government to allocate land to the children of war veterans and protect those who have already benefited from land reform, ensuring that no one owns more than one farm at the expense of others.
Symbolic Recognition and Honors
Turning to symbolic recognition, Ndlovu proposed the introduction of a non-partisan national uniform for all veterans, distinguished only by service medals to reflect their roles during the liberation war. He also called for an end to the politicization of Heroes Acre burials and urged a review of the criteria used to grant national hero status.
“Heroes Acre has been turned into a general cemetery,” Ndlovu noted. “Some individuals buried there were declared heroes on partisan grounds and not based on their actual revolutionary contribution.”
Ensuring Legacy and Honor
Ndlovu demanded that all veterans be issued with their rightful medals, both for the liberation struggle and for independence. He also proposed that all former commanders be formally retired at ranks equivalent to those in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to preserve the integrity of the liberation history.
These calls for action highlight the urgent need for the government to address the challenges faced by veterans and ensure that their contributions are recognized and honored appropriately. As Heroes Day approaches, the voices of these veterans serve as a reminder of the importance of remembering and supporting those who fought for the nation’s freedom.