MC Statement on the incarcaration of Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni

The Collective learns with deep shock the sentence granted to Chief Ndiweni. MC feels sentence is very disapproportinate and believes that a lighter sentence was supposed to be given.

MC strongly believes that the institution of traditional leadership partcularly the Chiefs embodies sacred values and customs that must be respected by any government that respects cultural heritage of its citizens.

MC therefore urge lawyers who were handling the case to lodge an urgent appeal to the sentence considering that part of the accused group was granted far lesser sentence.
MC thus, stands in solidarity with the peoples of Matabeleland and the nation at large in calling for the freeing of the Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni for prison. Chief has been key in working with the Collective to advance developmental issues and particularly Gukurahundi as escapsulated in Matabeleland Collective Compendium.
MC calls for more solidarity with the Ndiweni family and the people from Ntabazinduna who going through this difficult time.

MC’s view is that his incarceration evokes bitter memories of Gukurahundi that almost wiped the entire Matabeleland region and Chief Ndiweni was unequivocal in calling for closure on the issue.

Issued by: Mbuso Fuzwayo on behalf of Matabeleland Collective a network of over 60 organizations working in Matabeleland.