Opinion / Columnist
Chieftainship of Bepura
04 Jun 2017 at 16:24hrs | Views
Givestar Kamuzonde
The chieftainship of Bepura in Guruve (Sipolilo) originated from Damba now Doma north of Mhangura mine.
Bepura was awarded the chieftainship while he was staying with his maternal uncle, Murisa of Karimudeve clan.
He was one of the most trusted men among others by his uncle Murisa, Bepura was very intelligent, diligent and honest.
One of the days his uncle, Murisa was invited to the then Sinoia now Chinhoyi by the colonial government to be accorded the chieftainship but did not attend and instead sent his nephew Katena now Bepura.
Katena was asked to produce his identity which he did before being awarded the chieftainship.
He was also provided with a medal in Sinoia now Chinhoyi in what was known as Lomagundi District.
Katena now Bepura was awarded the chieftainship not only by default but by his bravery.
He later on went back home and told his uncle what had transpired and his uncle Murisa of Karimudeve clan was satisfied with the outcome.
The promulgation of land settlement Act of 1941 saw what the colonial government termed African squatters being forcefully evicted from Doma to the then Sipolilo now Guruve and Hurungwe Reserves respectively.
This was done to accommodate white settlement in Doma, other villages remained there with the spirit mediums such as Dombojena, Nyajore and Chisara.
Marumahoko and Muris Bepuraa followed to Guruve. The Murisa of Karimudeve clan was living in Umbowe near Chinhoyi. They are now following the spoors of a wounded goat by claiming their own chieftainship in Umbowe.
The name Bepura was a heroic since it originated in Doma were Katena now Bepura was involved in tribal clashes, where he subsequently defeated his enemies.
One of the enemies was left dead because of his heroic prowess. He who was taken for dead but he was said to be alive, resurrected. When the news filtered into Bepura's ears he pursued and killed him instantly.
That's where the name Bepura originated. In shona they say "Abepura" which means rising from dead.
As result of this forceful eviction of villagers from Doma more farms were surveyed and established East of Rikuti River. The first of five arms were established in Chimusenga and Chirombozi sector.
Bepura was awarded the chieftainship while he was staying with his maternal uncle, Murisa of Karimudeve clan.
He was one of the most trusted men among others by his uncle Murisa, Bepura was very intelligent, diligent and honest.
One of the days his uncle, Murisa was invited to the then Sinoia now Chinhoyi by the colonial government to be accorded the chieftainship but did not attend and instead sent his nephew Katena now Bepura.
Katena was asked to produce his identity which he did before being awarded the chieftainship.
He was also provided with a medal in Sinoia now Chinhoyi in what was known as Lomagundi District.
Katena now Bepura was awarded the chieftainship not only by default but by his bravery.
He later on went back home and told his uncle what had transpired and his uncle Murisa of Karimudeve clan was satisfied with the outcome.
This was done to accommodate white settlement in Doma, other villages remained there with the spirit mediums such as Dombojena, Nyajore and Chisara.
Marumahoko and Muris Bepuraa followed to Guruve. The Murisa of Karimudeve clan was living in Umbowe near Chinhoyi. They are now following the spoors of a wounded goat by claiming their own chieftainship in Umbowe.
The name Bepura was a heroic since it originated in Doma were Katena now Bepura was involved in tribal clashes, where he subsequently defeated his enemies.
One of the enemies was left dead because of his heroic prowess. He who was taken for dead but he was said to be alive, resurrected. When the news filtered into Bepura's ears he pursued and killed him instantly.
That's where the name Bepura originated. In shona they say "Abepura" which means rising from dead.
As result of this forceful eviction of villagers from Doma more farms were surveyed and established East of Rikuti River. The first of five arms were established in Chimusenga and Chirombozi sector.
Source - Givestar Kamuzonde
All articles and letters published on Bulawayo24 have been independently written by members of Bulawayo24's community. The views of users published on Bulawayo24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Bulawayo24. Bulawayo24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.
