Ex ZIPRA fighter fingers Mphoko in Gukurahundi terror
By Tinoonga Mawere, Gutu | A man who claims to be a former ZIPRA fighter during the liberation struggle has made sensational claims Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko was part of the intelligence system that masterminded the Gukurahundi atrocities.
James Nhongonhema Chamisa (70) of Gutu District further claimed Mphoko was sitting on the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission programme because he was part of the technical team that was behind the Gukurahundi terror.
Chamisa also claimed Mphoko was a CIO operative during the time and he was actively involved in shaping strategies during the terror period that resulted in the death of thousands of Ndebele speaking people in Matabeleland and Midlands.
“I know that chap(Mphoko) -we fought together in the liberation struggle as a ZIPRA soldiers just before independence .He then joined the CIO and that is why he is afraid of the Gukurahundi shadows.
This is the reason behind his reluctance to act on the peace and reconciliation programme.He has been on record defending the government on the Gukurahundi issue because he was part of the system. Many people were surprised when he ascended to the post of vice president but I am not amused.Mugabe also wanted to coax Jacob Zuma-who is close to Mphoko and he wanted to hoodwink the Ndebele speaking people . Mark my words young man Mphoko will continue to drag his feet on the Gukurahundi issue.I have the facts to substantiate my side of the whole story and I am not afraid to meet him (Mphoko),” said Chamisa.
Many Zimbabweans were amazed by Mphoko’s rise but Chamisa claimed he had all the information about his controversial elevation.
The Mugabe regime has reflected a general lack of zeal in addressing the sensitive issue and Mphoko who has been tasked to head the peace commission on Gukurahundi is seemingly reluctant to implement the exercise . The Mugabe administration has been accused of gross violation of human rights.In 2008 hundreds of MDC supporters were murdered while some were maimed ahead of the controversial presidential election run-off and Zimbabweans now fear for the worst following reports of political violence in Harare.