Norman Muchemwa
March 18 marked exactly 45 years since the assassination of Zanu chairman, Cde Herbert Chitepo, a death that almost derailed the liberation struggle following the arrest of the Lusaka-based Zanu leadership by the Zambian authorities.
Cde Chitepo was killed when a bomb detonated as he started his car at his home in Zambia’s Chilenje South township. Two aides, Benson Nicholas Kadzinga (nom de guerre Sadat Kufamazuva) and Silas Shamiso were with Chitepo in the car at the time of the explosion.
Cde Shamiso who was sitting next to Cde Chitepo at the front and a Zambian child who was playing next door were killed.
Cde Sadat who was sitting at the back survived the blast though he was seriously injured.
The wreckage of the VW Beetle that Cde Herbert Chitepo died in, on March 18 1975
Zambian authorities arrested Cde Chitepo’s colleagues, including General Josiah Magama Tongogara, the commander of Zanu’s military wing, Zanla, in connection with Chitepo’s death.
Several high-ranking officials from Zanu and the Zanla military wing were arrested but were later acquitted.
Cde Chitepo’s remains were to be exhumed after independence and reburied at the National Heroes Acre after he was declared a National Hero.
However, the remains of Cde Shamiso are still buried in Lusaka 45 years down the line even though he was buried next to Chitepo.
Sunday Mail Online recently tracked down Cde Sadat in Mt Darwin where he is staying. He gave a disturbing narration of what happened during the fateful day.
“I remember it was early Tuesday morning when I and Cde Shamiso were supposed to accompany Chairman Chitepo to the Zanu offices in Lusaka,” he narrated.
“The day was just like any other normal day and as usual I accompanied Cde Chitepo to the vehicle. He was supposed to drive so he took the driver’s seat.
“I was supposed to sit in the front seat next to the Chairman but Cde Shamiso was delaying in the house so I entered into the vehicle and took the back seat since the car was a two-door Volkswagen Beetle.”
“Silas later came and took the front seat as the Chairman was now in a hurry. The moment he turned on the engine, that is when the bomb exploded, killing him and Silas instantly while a child that was playing next door was also killed,” Cde Sadat narrated.
Cde Sadat added that he was badly injured and was taken to Lusaka Hospital where he was treated under guard and later arrested by the Zambian authorities on suspicions of killing Cde Chitepo.
Now, 45 years down the line, Cde Sadat has expressed his desire to see the remains of his departed comrade being exhumed and given a decent burial.
He told Sunday Mail Online that he is having sleepless nights as Cde Shamiso frequently visits him in dreams asking for his remains to be brought home.
What makes the situation easy, said Cde Sadat, is the fact that the grave of Cde Chitepo in Zambia is known and it will be easy to track the remains of Cde Shamiso.
“I am having dreams of Cde Shamiso, a lot of times asking me why we left him in Zambia. This is affecting my life to a greater extent as I have to deal with this issue every day,” Cde Sadat said.
“I think it would have been better if the remains were exhumed at the same time with Cde Chitepo’s as they were buried side by side.
“It is my hope that we will be able to bring Silas home as this will finally put his spirit to rest and also to help me have a peaceful life.”
“The good thing is that I met his family in Goromonzi in December during the Zanu-PF Annual People’s Conference, so it’s now easier because I am now able to track them in Muzarabani where they stay,” he said.
He added that he will try to work with the authorities and the family to finally bring his departed comrade home.