War Vets not involved in Njelele saga - Jabulani Sibanda claims

War Veterans leader Jabulani Sibanda has claimed that  the liberation fighters from Zanla wing did not conduct controversial cleansing ceremonies at Njelele Shrine in Matopo and threatening to exhume Cecil John Rhodes grave.

Sibanda said his organisation has "no such programmes".

"We have heard of that but my organisation has no such programme. I do not think it is right for anyone to go into the shrines without permission from those who are in charge, " said Sibanda.

Late last year, 600 war veterans from Mashonaland  in 16 buses stormed the sacred shrine and performed rituals "to appease the spirits of their colleagues who were killed during the war at Chimoi".

In February, another group of 50 suspected ex-Zanla combatants stormed Matobo Hills and allegedly threatened to exhume the remains of Cecil John Rhodes, claiming their continued presence was an insult to the country's political independence.

The group, according to sources, was allegedly being led by former Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial executive member Monica Mguni-Sikhosana.

That sparked an uproar in Matabeleland with local chief, Chief Masuku condemning the move.

Matabeleland Zanu-PF leadership have set up a committee to investigate the matter.