Chief Maduna recieves death threats

Outspoken Matabeleland Chief Vezi Maduna Mafu of Filabusi has received death threats over his open stance on the Gukurahundi genocide that killed an estimated 20 000 people in Matabeleland and Midlands.

Chief Maduna has engaged lawyers Webb, Low and Barry who have written to the Chairman of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission informing them of the threats upon his life.

In November 2017 Chief Maduna wrote to the United Nations requesting the global body to set up a special commission of inquiry that will investigate the genocide.

"We write requesting an independent commission of inquiry be set up to investigate atrocities which occurred in Matabeleland and Midlands in Zimbabwe, Africa, between 1981 and 1987 immediately after the country gained independence from Britain," wrote Chief Maduna.

Chief Maduna wrote to the United Nations President Emmerson Mnangagwa did not respond to his letter calling for him to solve the Gukurarundi issue which the people of Matabeleland have always sought closure for since the 1980s.

Maduna's statements were received with condemnation from senior ZANU PF officials residing in Matabeleland who accused the chief of dabbling in politics. They further said the Gukurahundi issues can only be solved by former ZAPU members.

Meanwhile activist Nothiwani Dlodlo has revealed that the President of the Council of Chiefs Chief Charumbira and his deputy Chief Mtshane Khumalo are pushing for the abolishing of the Chieftainships of Maduna and Ndiweni of Ntabazinduna.

"Am highly informed that Chief Charumbira and Chief Mtshane are currently putting pressure on ministry of local government to withdraw chief Maduna and Chief Khayisa's chieftainship for openly speaking against government over abuses on human rights and Gukurahundi genocide."