Story by Rodrick Mashingaidze
REPRESENTATIVES from Zimbabwe’s security services have visited the Nyadzonia and Chimoio national shrines in Mozambique as preparations gather pace for the 2026 National Heroes and Defence Forces commemorations.
The visit focused on preserving key sites linked to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and ensuring the sacrifices made during the war of liberation continue to be documented and remembered.
Nyadzonia National Shrine is the final resting place of about 1 200 young men and women who died during the liberation struggle.
According to the National Archives and the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, the attack on Nyadzonia was carried out by Rhodesian forces on 9 August 1976 under a military operation code-named Eland.
The attack followed the defection of Morrison Nyathi, also known as Livison Mutasa, a senior ZANLA commander who was recruited by Rhodesian forces. The operation used deception tactics, with attackers disguising themselves as FRELIMO forces to gain access to the camp.
National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe Marketing and Public Relations Officer, Mr Lloyd Makonya, said:
“The actual operation was code-named Eland. This is what led to the 9 August 1976 bombing. They used a decoy by mimicking FRELIMO forces, using their vehicles and camouflage to penetrate Nyadzonia.”
After the attack, Rhodesian forces planted explosives at strategic points, including the Pungwe River Bridge, before detonating them to prevent pursuing FRELIMO forces from giving chase.
Director General of Civil-Military Relations in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Brigadier General Gideon Zitterson Sabeka, whose Chimurenga name was Zitterson Zuluka, also recounted the attack on Chimoio on 23 November 1977.
“On 23 November 1977, I was at Takawira 2 Base training recruits in rifle firing. The attack started at around 8am. They knew Takawira had resistance because of the forces stationed there, but all the other bases, including the headquarters, were bombed indiscriminately. Every base was a target,” he said.
He noted that the murals at the Chimoio shrine bear the names of some of those killed during the attack, although many victims remain unidentified.
“The mural behind has several names of heroes and heroines who were massacred, but the names do not even represent half of those who were killed. These are only the names of those who were identified,” he said.
The visit forms part of ongoing efforts to preserve Zimbabwe’s liberation heritage sites ahead of the 2026 National Heroes and Defence Forces commemorations.
