Nearly 10,000 submissions recorded in Zimbabwe genocide hearings

Nearly 10,000 submissions have been received since the commencement of Zimbabwe's ongoing Gukurahundi public hearings, as traditional leaders in Matabeleland North and South actively engage with affected communities.

Launched officially by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in July 2024, the hearings began in earnest in June this year, empowering chiefs and local leaders to collect testimonies from victims. The initiative is part of the Second Republic's efforts to facilitate lasting healing and reconciliation for communities impacted by past conflicts.

As of September 3, 2025, a total of 9,025 submissions had been recorded. Of these, 203 online submissions originated from Binga District in Matabeleland North, with 107 accompanied by audio testimonies. Chiefs Siachilaba, Sinamusanga, and Sinakatenge are leading the documentation efforts locally, contributing 57, 77, and 69 forms respectively. The total number of chiefs participating via the online platform has now reached 70.

Submissions are nearly evenly split between the two provinces, with Matabeleland South accounting for 4,536 (50.26 percent) and Matabeleland North contributing 4,489 (49.74 percent). Female participation is notably high, with women representing 5,412 submissions (59.97 percent) compared to 3,613 from men (40.03 percent).

A total of 864 audio testimonies have been transcribed since the programme began, including 35 on September 3 alone.

Attorney-General Mrs Virginia Mabiza, who heads the secretariat of the Matabeleland Peacebuilding Outreach Programme, emphasized that the initiative remains in the evidence-gathering phase. She noted that the final report and recommendations will only be drafted once all testimonies have been transcribed, translated, and verified.

"Our immediate priority is the transcription, translation, and verification of testimonies. Only once this process is complete will we proceed to analyse the evidence and draft our recommendations," Mabiza said.

National Chiefs Council president Chief Mtshane Khumalo expressed satisfaction with the progress, highlighting strong community engagement and effective leadership by traditional authorities in the documentation process.

"The process is going on smoothly on the ground. We are very satisfied with the progress. Community engagement has been strong, and the traditional leaders are effectively leading the documentation efforts in their respective areas," Chief Khumalo said.

The Gukurahundi hearings aim to provide closure for victims while strengthening peacebuilding and reconciliation across the Matabeleland provinces.