Story by John Nhandara
ZIMBABWE honours the memory of those who perished in the Chimoio Massacre in Mozambique on November 23, 1977, a tragic episode in the country’s liberation struggle.
The massacre, carried out by Rhodesian forces, claimed thousands of lives, including freedom fighters and refugees, and remains a stark reminder of the sacrifices made in the fight for independence.
Cde Midson Mupasu, known by his Chimurenga name Bethuni, was a commander at the Chimoio base at the time and recounted the events.
“Chimoio liberation war camp was our base and headquarters during the liberation war. The bloodshed at the camp occurred on the morning of November 23 in 1977,” he said.
The attack was well-orchestrated and coordinated.
“They attacked us with canbbera bombers, while they had troops which were parachuted and landed within the vicinity of the base. In fact, the attack was preceded by a civilian aircraft one which was painted with a red cross just for deception,” Cde Mupasu said.
Chitepo School of Ideology Principal, Cde Ishmael Mada, who at the time was at Takawira 2 training base, still has vivid memories of what transpired.
“Takawira two training bases were located on the northern part of Chimoio. We observed fighter jets approaching from the northern direction. The first bomb that landed on the training base was at the centre of the parade where all the five thousand were supposed to be gathered. Luckily enough no one was on that area. They dropped bombs and heavy machine guns. We had an air defence system. Our trained cadres tried all they could. But it was a total massacre. For the whole day it was bombarding after bombarding,” he said.
November 23 remains a profound symbol of the brutality of the Rhodesian regime and the ultimate sacrifice made by thousands for the freedom of their nation.
It is a day remembered not just as a tragedy, but a symbol of resistance to colonial rule, sacrifice, determination and commitment to the country’s independence that would be realised three years later.
