*UNTOLD NARRATIVE OF CHINHOYI BATTLE AND THE BEGINNING OF THE SECOND CHIMURENGA* Follow our WhatsApp Channel for more updates https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vai0FQJ11ulJHRRO3r0l *Chinhoyi battle was the INITIATION of Mbuya Nehanda's prophecy* “The bones that fell in silence would one day rise, not as relics of the past, but as the spark of a new revolution” Almost a century subsequent to the conclusion of the First Chimurenga, the spirit of Charwe, the second medium of Mbuya Nehanda Nyakasikana, re-emerged, inspiring a cohort of seven revolutionary combatants to reinitiate the liberation struggle. The First Chimurenga had been forcibly suppressed, culminating in the execution of early revolutionaries and Spiritual Leaders. These included Mbuya Nehanda's Medium (Charwe Chitauro), who prophesied the resurgence of her remains (the dry bones resurrecting to life again) to explicitly execute the liberation struggle. Mbuya Charwe was finally hanged on 28 April 1898 in the morning around 9:00 AM. On 28 April 1966 precisely 80 years later and at the identical time of 9:00 AM, coincidentally the initial conflict of the Second Chimurenga commenced, persisting for seven hours of intense engagement. These pacesetters of the formidable war of Chinhoyi became our Paramount Heroes. Our Heroes were members of the initial cohort of 62 Tanzanian-trained military personnel. There were 21 of them specifically selected as sabotage specialists tasked with infiltrating Rhodesia. These devoted, gallant, ferocious and sagacious military cadres were precisely trained and dispatched from Intumbi Camp in Tanzania. They entered the country via Zambia utilising traditional canoe vessels (Zvimwadaya). Guided by Zimbabwean martial spirituality and guerrilla warfare doctrine influenced by Chinese military strategist Mao Zedong, they were instructed to maintain strict discipline, refraining from sexual relations outside of marriage. Upon arrival at Chidzuwi in Alaska, Chinhoyi, the 21 combatants divided into four sub-groups outlined as follows: - 1 Commando This was under the leadership of Chigwida and it was assigned the task of sabotaging the Feruka oil refinery in Mutare.Their contact person was Cde Chigumira - 2 Commando This was led by Mukuti and it was tasked with targeting infrastructure in Masvingo.Their contact person was Cde Makombe - 3 Commando It's the one whose contact person was Cde Everisto Africa it operated in the Hartley (Chegutu) area - 4 Commando This comprised of the renowned Chinhoyi Seven. The list of their names are as follows: - David Guzuzu - Christopher Chatambudza - Arthur Maramba - Godwin Manyerenyere - Godfrey Dube - Chabvisa Savanhu - Simon Nyandoro Their contact was Cde Mudhumeni Chivende,Cde Alex Nharara and Cde Aaron Dzomba. The Chinhoyi group was tasked with initiating the conflict by disrupting the electricity supply at Alaska, resulting in a nationwide power outage that would serve as a signal for other groups to commence their operations. Upon arrival in Chinhoyi, they established a base at Neil Edwards' farm, presently the location of the TM Supermarket. This is the same place where they engaged the local collaborators for provisions and intelligence. One such collaborator who was a lady named Maria Chakweza, attracted the attention of Godfrey Dube. However, Maria's other romantic partner, Chimanga, a Rhodesian police officer, became suspicious and, upon interrogation, she disclosed the presence of the guerrilla fighters. On 28 April 1966, at approximately 09:00 hours, the Chinhoyi Heroes were subjected to an ambush by Rhodesian forces. This ambush comprised both aerial and ground units. The Rhodesian military deployed four helicopters equipped with heavy machine guns, grenades, and bombing capabilities. The seven guerrillas engaged in combat, strategically retreating to the Hunyani River for defensive cover. Despite being significantly outnumbered and outgunned, they successfully neutralised one helicopter. As the conflict intensified, they sought shelter behind an anthill; however, they ultimately exhausted their ammunition. Six members of the group were fatally shot and killed, whilst the final individual who got critically wounded was apprehended and subsequently executed at Chinhoyi Central Prison. On 6 May 1966, the remains of these guerrillas were publicly displayed for identification, along with an eighth body belonging to Nathan Charimuka, a political activist. This macabre exhibition was a psychological operation conducted by the Rhodesians. It was actually intended to instil fear and discourage participation in the liberation struggle. The precise location of the Chinhoyi Seven's interment remains is somehow overlooked and undetermined nationally, although local folklore alludes to a large serpent that inhabits a tree at the site of their demise. In commemoration to the legacy of the seven, several edifices in Chinhoyi bear the names of these pioneers of Zimbabwe's Second Chi-Murenga. For an example there's the Chabvisa Savanhu Building. During the liberation struggle CHINHOYI DAY was observed to commemorate their sacrifices. #let US RETELL OUR OWN NARRATIVES *NB: THE CHINHOYI SEVEN ARE UNACKNOWLEDGED NATIONAL HEROES WHO SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES FOR THE BIRTH OF REVOLUTIONARY WAR* *Written by* Ba Gonsen and The Apostle of Chaminuka *Edited by* Reason Masengu and Tafadzwa Munhangu Follow us on *Facebook* Zimbabwe Intangible Cultural Heritage *Instagram* @zichmovement *Tiktok* @zickmedia *YouTube* @ZICHMedia 🔄🔄🔄Share our Channel link with Family and friends