List of Illustrations
The author’s parents, Kanganiso Mujere Mutambara and Karukai Elizabeth Mutambara.
The diary entry of the author’s father reads: “Agrippah Mutambara, Secretary for Neshuro Council, in Nuanetsi, disappeared on 24 May 1975.”
Commando Group under training. Instructors in the front row are, from left: Cde Chibede, Cde Zitterson Zuluka, Cde Oliver Shiri and Cde Dragon Patiripakashata.
The Nyadzonya massacre, 1976.
Buildings damaged in the Chimoio attack, November 1977.
Cde Josiah Magama Tongogara, ZANLA Chief of Defence.
Josiah Tongogara (with AK, at left) rescuing Ruvimbo Mujeni at Chimoio, November 1977.
A mass grave of those who died at the hands of the Rhodesians, Chimoio, November 1977.
The mobile theatre at Chimoio’s Parirenyatwa clinic, clearly marked with a red cross, with the bodies of slaughtered medics in front.
The monument and mass graves at Chimoio, built after independence.
Cde Robert Mugabe inspecting quarter guard mounted by Ethiopian instructors at Tatek.
Cde Mugabe writing a message to be sent by radio to forward units. Behind him is the author (in dark suit and spotted tie) and to his right in a lighter suit, with sunglasses, is Josiah Tongogara.
Chairman Mengishtu presenting a pistol to the overall best recruit.
Operational report dated 10 April 1978.
Chairman Mengishtu (with fatigue cap, centre) inspecting a parade mounted by ZANLA recruits.
Cde Mugabe with the chief Ethiopian instructor. Behind them are Cde Dragon Patiripakashata (the author) in dark suit, Cde Tongogara to his immediate left and Cde Martin Macharanga (with briefcase).
Cde Vivian Mwashita hands Cde Mugabe a radio message.
Chairman Mengishtu, flanked by Colonel Afework and Cde Mugabe, responding to slogans at a military rally.
President Robert Gabriel Mugabe.
ZANU Chairman, Herbert Wilshire Chitepo, who directed the armed struggle and was killed by a car bomb in Lusaka, Zambia on 18 March 1975.
Cde Mugabe flanked by Major Darwitt (Foreign Affairs) to his right and Colonel Afework (camp commander) to his left. Behind Mugabe is Josiah Tongogara who is flanked by Cde Victor Mhizha to his left and the author to his right. Cde Danford Munetsi is holding a briefcase.
In July 1979 all ZANU’s chief foreign representatives were recalled to Maputo for an intensive briefing in order to intensify ZANU’s diplomatic offensive. President Mugabe is flanked by Vice-President Simon Muzenda on his right and Secretary-General Edgar Tekere on his left. Front row (sitting) from left: Cde J. Chimbande (Tanzania), Cde L. Maziwisa (Romania) and Cde J. Mandebvu (Libya); second row (kneeling) from left: Cde J. Kangai (USA), Cde A. Chidoda (Canada), Cde R. Chivhiya (West Africa) and Cde J. Shoniwa (Sweden); back row (standing) from left: Cde D. Patiripakashata (Ethiopia), Cde F. Shava (UK); Cde Mombeshora (Egypt), Cde S. Makoni (West Germany), Cde Simbarashe (Australia) and Cde M. Chademana (Botswana).
General ‘Tongo’, all-round commander and military strategist par excellence, in combat pose.
Cde Rex Nhongo, a brave fearless fighter.
The letter from President Mugabe to the author in Ethiopia, March 1980.