Story by Tichaona Kurewa
SURVIVORS of a 1978 landmine explosion that struck a civilian bus in Hwange District have recounted the harrowing ordeal, highlighting the lasting human cost of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
At the height of the war, the Nyoni family fled Ndoweni Village 2 under Chief Shana in February 1978, seeking safety as violence escalated. Their journey took them to Jambezi Centre, where they boarded a bus bound for Bulawayo.
However, tragedy struck shortly after departure.
“The bus was stopped from leaving that day. We only departed the following morning, on February 5,” recalled Mrs Christine Nyoni.
Moments later, the bus hit a landmine.
“The bus was hit by a landmine around 0500 hours. I was only 11 years old. My mother was injured in both legs. I was injured in my left leg, and my brother also suffered injuries in both legs. It was a brutal and merciless act. Ordinary people were attacked,” she said.
Several passengers were killed, while others sustained severe injuries. Survivors were rushed to Hwange Colliery Hospital, some by ambulance and others by helicopter.
“We spent a year in the hospital. I still remember spending Christmas there in 1978. My mother and my brother both had their legs amputated. I also lost my left leg,” Mrs Nyoni said.
Another survivor, Mrs Esnath Mzamba, said: “I lost both legs in that accident.”
After discharge in early 1979, the family was transferred to a rehabilitation centre in Bulawayo, where they spent six months learning to adapt to life with disabilities.
More than four decades later, survivors continue to live with the physical and emotional scars of the attack.
“We receive monthly allowances from the government, and the Second Republic has been helpful,” Mrs Nyoni said.
As Zimbabwe prepares to mark its 46th Independence Anniversary in Maphisa, testimonies such as these serve as a stark reminder that the cost of freedom extended beyond the battlefield, leaving lifelong scars on innocent civilians.
Zimbabwe’s 46th Independence Anniversary celebrations will be held under the theme “Zim@46: Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030”.
The national event is expected to bring together citizens from across the country to commemorate Zimbabwe’s independence while reaffirming commitment to unity, development and economic transformation.
