By Staff Reporter
A delegation from the Original Zapu (O Zapu) on Saturday made an inspection visit to the Ntabazinduna gravesite of late national hero Dumiso Dabengwa, raising alarm over illegal gold mining operations they say are endangering the shrine and the surrounding community.
The team, led by O Zapu president Mathew Sibanda, assessed damage reportedly caused by illegal miners working barely 40 metres from the graveyard.
Community members said the miners have dug gullies as deep as eight metres, posing a significant threat to the grave site, a nearby church, and livestock in the area.
The visit took place on February 21, a national holiday commemorating former President Robert Mugabe.
However, O Zapu chose to dedicate the day to remembering Dabengwa, whom party officials described as a principled liberation stalwart and commander.
During the tour, Douglas Ndiweni, son of the late Ntabazinduna paramount chief Khayisa Ndiweni, appealed to the government to urgently intervene and secure the graveyard.
“We urge the government to use the national heroes status fund to protect Dumiso Dabengwa’s grave and the entire burial ground. The funds should be channelled to Umguza Rural District Council to enable the deployment of graders and manpower to rehabilitate land degraded by illegal mining,” Ndiweni said.
He noted that police had been informed and were attempting to control the situation, but alleged that illegal miners returned at night once officers left.
Ore extracted from the site is reportedly processed at a hammer mill located about 100 metres from the graveyard.
Ndiweni further called on law enforcement agencies, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), and the Ministry of Mines to shut down the milling operation if it is operating without the necessary documentation.
“In our culture, when we bury someone, we say rest in peace. But how can our national hero rest in peace when his grave is threatened by blasting and illegal mining? This place must remain one of tranquillity and respect,” he said.
While clarifying that he does not oppose youth mining initiatives in general, Ndiweni stressed that such activities should not take place near a sacred community graveyard.
He suggested that young miners could instead partner with a local farmer whose land stretches toward Inyathi, which is believed to be rich in gold deposits.
Sibanda described the situation as a desecration of their late leader’s resting place.
“We are deeply concerned about what is happening here. We have come not only to assess the damage but to stand in solidarity with the community and the Ndiweni traditional leadership. We cannot remain silent while our leaders and commanders are dishonoured in this manner. Dabengwa dedicated his life to the liberation of this country. As a nation, we must protect his final resting place,” Sibanda said.
He said the party was encouraged by the unity shown by the local community and traditional leadership, who share similar concerns and are willing to work together to safeguard the shrine.
Sibanda also urged national leaders to reflect on the values of the liberation struggle, drawing guidance from historical figures such as King Lobengula, King Mzilikazi, and Mambo.
“As we remember our past leaders, we must ask ourselves whether we are upholding the principles they fought for — justice, dignity, respect for our heritage, and protection of our people. Let us be spiritually guided by our forefathers so that we lead with wisdom, humility, and respect for our sacred sites,” he said.
After touring the damaged sections, Sibanda and other O Zapu officials joined Ndiweni and community members in laying wreaths and cleaning the graves of Dabengwa and his late wife.
The party said it would engage relevant authorities to ensure urgent intervention, including fencing the graveyard and rehabilitating land affected by illegal mining.
Community members expressed hope that the government would move swiftly to preserve the dignity of the national hero’s resting place and restore calm to the area.
Dabengwa died on May 23, 2019, at the age of 79 while returning home from India, where he had sought medical treatment. He was declared a national hero and buried at his family graveyard in Ntabazinduna.
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