According to human rights groups, at least 200 people died during the violent crackdown. The government has never acknowledged the rights violations.
Six down the line, government remains mum about the alleged massacres and atrocities perpetrated by the security forces. The Chiadzwa issue remains a closely guarded secret but villagers who were badly affected by the state-sponsored operation are demanding justice.
They said there was need for healing for the affected people – particularly women who bore the brunt of police brutality. Human rights groups say government cannot to remain silent about Chiadzwa issue, but should come out in the open and resort to dialogue with affected families.
Villagers bared their souls during the recent commemoration of Chiadzwa victims co-organised by Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPC) and the Centre for Natural Resources Governance (CNRG).
Lovemore Mukwada of Nyamareya village 29 said Operation Hakudzokwi left permanent scars in the community that will be difficult to heal. He recalled the night when Takunda Kusena and Takunda Neshumba were assaulted the whole night and later succumbed to injuries at Mutambara hospital.
“We want justice and healing. Diamonds are depleting and we are not getting anything but what we want is justice, “said Mukwada in an emotional speech.
David Chikosi said “My brother was taken to the police base and was assaulted heavily. When I made a follow up I saw him soaked in a pool of blood and had difficulties in breathing.” He said the police officers lied that his brother had jumped off a moving truck. He said up to now it still pains him that no one was arrested and no compensation was paid for the damages.
“No one was arrested and those people who perpetrated violence against innocent civilians are roaming around scot free. Where is justice?” asked Chikosi.
Janet Musamba from Muvedzengwa village said women bore the brunt of the Operation. “Our children were raped. There are number of fatherless children in Chiadzwa. It was terrible and we are are still traumatised by events. We want those who inflicted pain on innocent women and children to pay back for their atrocities,” she said.
The Chiadzwa Community Development Trust says government should open a commission of inquiry to investigate atrocities perpetrated by security forces. Projects Officer Lorraine Marime said government could afford to remain mum on the Marange disturbances.
CNRG director Farai Maguwu said it was high time the nation should stand up and declare that whatever happened in Marange should never happen again. “There is a mass grave in Dangamvura where more than 80 bodies were buried and all these things need to be talked about,” he said.
Post published in: News