The Mysterious Death of Hillary Nleya: A Call for Justice Ignites a Nation
By Lumbidzani Moyo Bango | The heart-wrenching story of Hillary Nleya, a dedicated member of the Zimbabwe Defence Counter Intelligence, ignites a fire for truth and justice in the wake of his tragic death. After going missing on November 21, 2024, Nleya’s body was found two weeks later, hanging from a tree in Figtree, Matabeleland South Province, casting a dark shadow over what initially appeared to be a straightforward case of suicide.
Last seen sitting on the lawn outside Redwood along Plumtree Road with colleagues suspected of being his workmates Nleya’s disappearance raised immediate alarms. Eyewitness accounts confirmed his presence, as one worker at Redwood recalled seeing him that day. However, what was striking was the unexplored CCTV footage that could have shed light on his last moments, seemingly ignored by police in their investigation. Despite reports filed by the Nleya family, initial police inaction only added to their anguish.
Investigations by relatives suggest that Nleya’s death could relate to his critical role as a footsoldier for Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, tasked with ensuring Bulawayo remained a safe haven for his political movements. Rumors spread among police intelligence circles indicating that Nleya’s connections had turned him into a target, possibly pointing to an assassination orchestrated by those he worked alongside.
In a disturbing twist, eyewitnesses unanimously ruled out suicide upon discovering Nleya’s body. It was found in a suspicious manner hanging from a tree with his feet still on the ground, leading many to believe that foul play was involved. Yet, in a move that bewildered and infuriated the family, military narratives began to push the idea that he had taken his own life.
During a recent parliamentary debate on the Death Penalty Abolition Bill, Senator Lwazi Sibanda, a cousin of Hillary Nleya, delivered an emotional plea that resonated with all who heard her. “I rise with a heavy heart. I am a woman, a mother, and a Senator of this country, yet I stand here with a cousin lying in the mortuary Hilary Nleya whom we searched for over two weeks, only to find him dead in Figtree. He was murdered by a person we do not yet know.”
Her words hit hard as she navigated the duality of advocating for justice while questioning the narrative pushed by military authorities. “I am a law-abiding citizen of this country. I respect the law and am grateful that we have a president who was spared from the death penalty,” she stated, balancing her sorrow with a commitment to the abolition of capital punishment.
As the investigation remains shrouded in uncertainty, the cries for justice grow louder. The Nleya family and the community at large demand accountability, citing provisions in the Zimbabwe Constitution that guarantee the right to life, free from unlawful deprivation (Section 48) and the right to access information held by the state (Section 62). Families of missing individuals are also entitled to “effective action by the police” under the Police Act, which further raises eyebrows over the lack of response in Nleya’s case.
Hillary Nleya’s tragic end has ignited a national debate about accountability, law enforcement’s responsibilities, and the need for transparency within the military. As Zimbabwe grapples with issues of governance and justice, Nleya’s story acts as a catalyst for change, haunted by the question: Why has the truth about his death remained elusive?
In a nation where voices are often silenced, the rallying cry for justice for Hillary Nleya reverberates through the hearts of many, insisting that no life should cut short without answers, and no voice should ever be silenced. The need for thorough investigations and the demands for justice echo not just for Nleya but for the fundamental rights owed to every citizen in Zimbabwe a clarion call that can no longer be ignored.