VIVA CHINHOYI BY BIGGIE TEMBO AND THE BHUNDU BOYS

• published: 21 Mar 2013
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Zimbabwe's history is full of defining moments and the 28thof April marks the anniversary of the Chinhoyi Battle, heralding the start of the Second Chimurenga. In fulfillment of Mbuya Nehanda's last prophetic words that her bones would rise again, seven freedom fighters David Guzuzu, Arthur Maramba, Christopher Chatambudza, Simon Chingozha Nyandoro, Godfrey Manyerenyere, Godwin Dube and Chubby Savanhu were the first to fire the shots that signaled the beginning of the second Chimurenga on the 28th of April 1966 which was the 68th anniversary of Mbuya Nehanda's execution. The seven ZANLA freedom fighters that were drawn from Guruve, Makonde and Hurungwe came into the country from Zambia and proceeded to Chinhoyi. They were on a mission to perform acts of sabotage but were detected by Rhodesian Forces, who attacked them with ground and air power. The army came in full force with jet bombers and helicopter gunships, but was held off for the whole day by the gallant fighters, who were only killed after they ran out of ammunition. Shortly after the battle, Chinhoyi was infested by Rhodesian security forces that arrested people they suspected of collaborating with the seven freedom fighters.News of the battle also served as a source of inspiration to other nationalists who sought to execute the military struggle against colonialism with vigour. To date the battle site, which is nearly 4km from the town of Chinhoyi, has been befittingly turned into the Mashonaland West Provincial Heroes' Acre. VIVA CHINHOYI