The scourge of landmines on the Sengwe Communal areas, Chiredzi District, Zimbabwe, 1980-2019.

Abstract

The research provides an analysis of the scourge faced by Shangaan people in Sengwe Communal area in South Eastern Lowveld as a result of the deadly landmines, a legacy of the liberation struggle. The research contends that the scourge faced by the Shangaan, Sengwe dwellers as a result of landmines was under researched. The research emphasized the dwellers that is borderland villages continues to suffer the scourge of landmines deployed by the RSF in the hinterland. Landmines recognized no treaty, it continues to cause grave consequences to the inhabitants of Sengwe after Zimbabwe gained its independence. Landmines killed, maimed and caused permanent disability. Economically, it reduced the area for cultivation and the resultant food insecurity. Dwellers loss large herds of livestock and the menace of landmines prevented the development of infrastructure. The study further explores the predicament faced by Shangaan children to prove them as the worst victims of landmines. Children suffer directly and indirectly to landmines. The study further explores strategies devised by Sengwe dwellers to live side by side with landmines and the measures devised by the Government of Zimbabwe in partnership with Non-Governmental Organization to deal with the threats of landmines. The research contends that Sengwe corridor was being neglected in terms of demining since demining started late in 2012 after demining in other minefields already started. The effectiveness of the interventions are also discussed by the study. The research made use of both primary and secondary sources.