In a concerning turn of events for the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), a fire erupted at the army headquarters located at Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks in the early hours of Sunday, December 15, 2024. The incident occurred around 2:50 am, causing significant damage to several offices within the administration complex.
Colonel Alphios Makotore, the director of army public relations, confirmed the incident in a statement, assuring the public that no casualties were reported. “Fire fighters were dispatched and managed to contain the blaze. No reported casualties at the barracks,” he stated.
He further noted that investigations into the cause of the fire would be launched soon. “The ZNA will continue giving updates as more information becomes available,” he added.
George Charamba, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications, commented on the situation via X, noting that “damage to buildings and other valuable property was extensive.”
In another troubling development, the mysterious death of military intelligence officer Hillary Nleya has raised suspicions of foul play. Nleya was last seen at Redwood along the Plumtree-Bulawayo road, and his body was later discovered hanging from a tree in Figtree, Matabeleland South Province. While authorities initially classified his death as a suicide, the revelation of Nleya’s military connections has prompted renewed scrutiny.
“I rise with a heavy heart. I am a woman, a mother, and a Senator of this country, yet I stand here with a cousin lying in the mortuary—Hilary Nleya—whom we searched for over two weeks, only to find him dead in Figtree. He was murdered by a person we do not yet know,” she stated passionately.
Senator Sibanda continued to highlight the complexities of the situation, asserting that while she supports the abolition of the death penalty, the issue is fraught with challenges.
“I am a law-abiding citizen of this country. I am grateful that we have a President who was spared from the death penalty. I am committed to the abolition of the death penalty,” she said.
However, she lamented the pain caused by violent crime, urging that the country must grapple with the reality of murderers who show no remorse for their actions.
“It is painful in our hearts to say that sentencing these people to death does not serve our country. Killing them like animals does not matter to us. People will die. People will be killed by those we show remorse to, who don’t even show any remorse to us,” she argued.
Sibanda also recounted the stories of numerous victims of violence, including her own cousin. “We remember Geneva Sibanda, who was murdered by his gardener and wife. We remember many of our friends, colleagues—even among us—who have been murdered by people roaming the streets,” she said.
Her remarks resonated with many in the chamber, as they highlighted the ongoing struggle against violent crime in Zimbabwe.
Amidst this backdrop of tragedy, the Death Penalty Abolition Bill was subsequently passed by the Senate and is now awaiting President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s assent to become law. The bill has sparked intense debate about justice and the best way to handle those who commit heinous acts.
As investigations continue into the fire at the ZNA headquarters and the circumstances surrounding Nleya’s death, concerns over security and justice in the military and broader society remain paramount. The dual crises have cast a shadow over an institution already grappling with its challenges, and the public is left waiting for answers to pressing questions.
