Breakaway from the Rhodesian army

In our previous instalment, Cde George Kufakunesu (GK), whose Chimurenga name was Softguy Chimurenga, narrated to our Senior Reporter TENDAI CHARA  (TC) the journey he travelled as a mujibha up until his forced recruitment into the Rhodesian army. In this week’s edition, Cde Kufakunesu narrates how his team did the unthinkable by breaking away from a seemingly financially lucrative arrangement with the cunning Rhodesian armed forces. Cde “Softguy” also discusses the “proper” training he went through with the guerrilla fighters and his subsequent deployment to the war zone.

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TC: We concluded our discussion with you explaining to us that a golden opportunity for you to escape from the jaws of the Rhodesians forces that had forcibly recruited you had presented itself. If you can tell us more about the rare opportunity and how your team exploited it.

GK: Yes, in an unexpected turn of events, the black Rhodesian soldier who was left to watch over us during our sojourn at Tanda told us that he was going to the nearby shops where we later gathered that he had accosted a female companion. All along we had been plotting our escape from the control of the Rhodesian forces. We desperately wanted to join the liberation war fighters. As soon as the Rhodesian soldier left for the shops, we made our move.

Like I said before, I was tasked with leading the 14 mujibhas that had been forcibly recruited into the Rhodesian army. As soon as the Rhodesian soldier left, we put our escape plan into motion. We hurriedly left our positions and went to join the liberation fighters in Mozambique.

TC: Take us through your journey to Mozambique.

GK: As was the norm, we consulted the local spirit medium and we were assured that our journey to Mozambique was going to be hassle-free. We then made the long walk to Mozambique.

TC: So you did not face any resistance from some of your fellow mujibhas?

GK: Initially, two of them told me bluntly that they were not going to Mozambique. They told me that they were happy with being Rhodesian forces. I reasoned with them and finally they agreed to join us on our long trek to the rear. It rained heavily that night and we were overjoyed. The rains would cover our tracks, making it impossible for the Rhodesians to come after us.

We thanked our spirit mediums for the rains. The freedom fighters were expecting us since we were communicating with them all along. We arrived at a base where we were given food by the locals. The following morning, the guerrilla fighters arrived.

They were happy to see us.

We were told that we were going for proper training and that the Rhodesians had not given us proper training.

During our time with the guerrillas, they were constantly asking us how as fighters who were under the Rhodesian army, we would have reacted in the event of having a confrontation with freedom fighters. We told them that in the event of us meeting them, we were going to surrender. The guerrilla fighters persisted with that question. From Tanda we moved to Matinha and then to Doroweza up until we reached Ruwangwe.

It took us five days to reach Mozambique. After crossing Kaerezi River, we joined another group up to Guru where we joined yet another group. We met members of the general staff who were in the area during this time.

Among them was General Tongogara who was coming from Tembwe and was on his way to Maputo. We were then taken by lorry to Tembwe via Changara.

TC: Tell us about your time at Tembwe.

GK: When I arrived at Tembwe, I met my elder brother who had joined the liberation struggle earlier. It made my stay at the camp a bit comfortable.

We also had boys from my home area at Tembwe. We were first given political orientation lessons. I remember Cde Tongagara coming to our camp scouting for fighters who were later on tasked with the bombing of the BP and Shell fuel depots in Salisbury. I was among the thousands who were interviewed for the assignment.

I could not make it since I was not that familiar with Harare and the fact that I was not yet trained. From Tembwe we were moved to Maroro and then Doroi and finally to Mavonde. We were trained in tactics and how to operate such guns as the sub-machine gun, Bazooka and the M60. We were trained for three months.

TC: Tells us a bit more about the Mavonde base.

GK: The base was heavily fortified with anti-air installations. We had underground bunkers and trenches where we spent most of our time.

When the Battle of Mavonde began, I was given a pepesha.

TC: Tell us about the Rhodesian raid on Mavonde.

GK: I remember the Rhodesian aeroplanes were as many as tree leaves. As recruits, we did not see much action. After the battle, I heard about the heroics of some guerrilla fighters who gunned down Rhodesian warplanes using a variety of guns, among them the M82.

From my understanding, it was rare for an M82 to down aeroplanes since such a weapon is best suited for hitting buildings as opposed to aeroplanes.

Like I said earlier, I was a mere recruit then and did not see much action. We were saved by the grace of God. From Mavonde, where I specialised in using the grenade launcher, we were deployed into the war front and I operated in the Karoi area. When the ceasefire was announced I was at Magunje. From Mavonde, we were taken by lorries and moved further north to Tete. From Tete, we walked for seven days to Chitima, near the border. We met a group of fighters which was being led by Cde Kapinda Wehondo. Cde Edwin Munyaradzi was the acting provincial commander.

Our group operated in such areas as Kazangarare up to Chirundu.

TC: Any major battles that you took part in?

GK: One day we were ambushed when we were coming down the Mavuradonha Mountain. In Karoi, we made our presence known by attacking Magunje camp.

I think we were the first group of Zanla combatants to operate in this area. Zipra cadres were the ones operating in this area before we came. We fought a number of battles in Karoi. Ceasefire was then announced on December 29, 1979.

From Karoi we were taken to Kazangarare and then to Magadzi gathering point near Mazowe Dam. We met the late Perrance Shiri, who was the commander of Tete province, at Magadzi.

We were then taken to Mary Mount Assembly point, which was located in Rushinga, Mount Darwin. I briefly went home before going to an assembly point in Chitungwiza.

The majority of the comrades that I was operating with were taken to Entumbane assembly point in Bulawayo. In 1981, I was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army.

TC: Thank you very much of your time.

GK: You are welcome.

Don’t miss our next edition where we chronicle the life of a Zimbabwean who was born and grew up in Tanzania during the liberation war. Our guest will narrate to us the experience of growing up in a foreign country.