Online Reporter
Chimurenga Chronicles
HAVING gallantly fought the epic Mavonde Battle in 1979, one would assume that returning home would have been smooth sailing for comrades such as BATSIRAI GONDO, whose Chimurenga name was Cde Resistance Mawuto, who had fought in the battle. It was, however, not the case. Cde Gondo recounts to our Political Editor KUDA BWITITI the hardships that he faced.
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Q: How did you return home to Zimbabwe?
A: Returning home from Mavonde was gruelling. As I said earlier, Mavonde was located about 30 kilometres or so from the Zimbabwe border. This distance was not an issue for us. The biggest challenge was the terrain. We had to climb the Tsetsera Mountain.
This was an extremely steep mountain that was difficult to navigate. We used to refer to the mountain as the Himalayas because of its gradient.
Q: How were you able to climb it?
A: The ascent was punishingly steep, forcing us to crawl at times.
We were heavily burdened, carrying weapons both in my backpack and slung at the front. This included substantial ammunition — magazines, grenades and my firearm — adding considerable weight. Descending was equally treacherous.
We had to use our buttocks to carefully glide down, much like a baboon, to avoid a dangerous tumble.
Q: How long did it take to navigate past the Tsetsera Mountain?
A: It took about four to five days. What made it worse was that we hardly had any proper meals. It was really difficult, but as fighters, we were trained to manage hunger and soldier on. However, these were not the only challenges we faced.
Q: What other challenges did you face?
A: At one time, whilst we were in the mountains, our intelligence and surveillance teams informed us that enemy forces had sprayed poison on the initial route that we wanted to use. Citrus farms and orchards containing apples, bananas and peaches were subjected to aerial pesticide spraying by enemy forces.
This widespread aerial attack covered a vast expanse of land.
We confirmed this because some of the colours of the fruits were not normal.
They showed signs of having been poisoned. Baboons, monkeys and other animals were dying.
In the water, you would see fish and frogs dying. So, even when we were thirsty, we would dare not drink that water.
This meant that we had to use an even more unnavigable route.
So, using the other route made the journey longer. Some comrades got so hungry and thirsty that they asked to remain behind. I remember one comrade telling me: “I have had enough, I am dropping my gun and remaining behind to die.”
I asked him: “What is better to remain here and be captured by the enemy forces and be tortured or to soldier on?” I am happy he persevered because that comrade is alive to this day.
Q: During that journey, did you not meet any povo?
A: We got some reprieve after crossing into the country, somewhere in Chimanimani. This was the first time we met the povo and got the relief of getting food, mostly watermelons.
Q: For how many days did you travel before finally getting relief?
A: We travelled for about 13 days to get to our destination. You see, it took about five days to climb the Tsetsera Mountain. Then you had another four days of descending, then other days to cross into Zimbabwe and get to our destination.
Q: So, you finally made it home?
A: Not so fast. We faced other obstacles, including crossing Save River, meeting some Rhodesian spies and engaging in battle with fellow black soldiers.
When we got to Bazeley Bridge, it was guarded by a detachment of coloured soldiers, whose job was to inform the Rhodesian security forces about our movements. They did not engage in combat. We had to rush to Save River quickly to avoid another battle with enemy forces.
Upon reaching the river, we encountered a raging current. To cross, we formed a human chain, interlocking hands while ensuring our weapons remained secure and dry.
However, some dropped their weapons into the river. Crocodiles were also a threat. If a crocodile attempted to catch you, you had to fire your gun.
Q: Were the enemy forces not on your trail?
A: Soon after crossing Save River, we got into the Bocha area. You know, once we got into this area, we faced a new battle. This was not a battle with Rhodesia’s security forces but with Muzorewa’s soldiers.
Their tactics relied heavily on intimidation, particularly against those easily cowed.
However, in actual combat, they proved to be ineffective, often requiring two soldiers to operate a single weapon. This vulnerability allowed us to quickly gain the upper hand, and we proceeded with our journey after a brief skirmish.
After passing them, it was at this point that I joined a new detachment with my good friend Cde SaChiweshe. Our commanders included now-Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, the late Major-General Paradzai Zimondi and Cdes Mudzamiri, Taffy, Ringo Star and Simbai maGuerilla. Our destination was Hwedza, heading to what we called Advance.
The Vice President got injured as we were at Mutukwani Range. We made plans to ensure that the VP, our commander, would not be captured. We did not want the enemy forces to know that our commander had been injured.
The VP was treated by Cde Tiger Big Fish, who was our medic, and we successfully made it to Hwedza and stayed at the sacred Rombwe Mountain for some time. Ceasefire came soon after that.
Next week, Cde Gondo concludes his account by revealing the final days before independence and how, soon after uhuru, he was involved in the apprehension of Morrison Nyathi, the infamous traitor of Nyadzonya.
