Families and survivors of Gukurahundi have expressed sadness with the slow pace that the National Peace and Reconciliation Commissions (NPRC) is taking to address their request of exhumations and reburials of their loved ones.
Speaking in an interview with Zimbabwe Christian Alliance, a survivor from Lupane (name withheld) said they had hope that their family members buried away from their homes will finally be exhumed and buried at their rightful places.
“We are happy that we have heard the opportunity to discuss with the commission what we want so that we heal from the past hurts. We had hope that our issues will be addressed but the commission is taking too long to do that,” he said.
He said there was need for the commission to keep visiting the community so that they are assured that their requests have not been forgotten as well as notify them on why they are taking tome to respond to their requests.
“I suggest that the community is kept on the loop on the progress being made towards our request. It is a painful experience for us to talk about the past that we are trying to forget and opening wounds so that no action is taken,” he said.
Last year the NPRC together with Zimbabwe Christian Alliance (ZCA) had been engaging with families that had requested for the exhumations and reburials of their family members. The process is taking long as there are many procedures that have to be followed before the actual exhumations and reburials commence.
So far about 10 families in Silwane Lupane, 3 in Kezi and 3 in Plumtree had requested for reburials and exhumations. Within the identified families, their relatives were piled, buried in shallow graves and some were buried in the bush far away from their homes.
Source: Zimbabwe Christian Alliance
