Occupying the Blind Spot: the role of Kuripa ngozi in Transitional Justice in Zimbabwe the case of Hwesa Clan (original) (raw)

2020, International JJournal of Scientific and Research Publications

Zimbabwe has a history of many attempts at transitional justice dating back to the 1980s. Healing and reconciliation efforts to address conflicts in Zimbabwe have faced numerous challenges. The Unity According of 1987 mainly addressed the issues of the perpetrator and totally ignored the victim. It was an agreement between leaders of two political parties neglecting to address the majority that had suffered in Matebeleland and Midlands. The Unity accord brought alleviation nationwide , but in parts of the country where it happened problem remain unsolved and resolved. These include poor health, poverty, practical and legal problems and a deep mistrust of Government. In the absence of an effective and inclusive transitional justice initiated by the state, communities affected by conflict turn to endogenous mechanisms to address conflict. This paper analyses the traditional method of Kuripa ngozi used by the Hwesa people of Nyanga, Zimbabwe to resolve conflict involving the death of the victim. The family of the perpetrator is asked to pay the victim's family some form of compensation. This is done through the mediation of the dare and the conducting of cleansing ceremonies to appease the spirit of the dead. This paper analyses the process, its advantages and challenges and makes recommendations of making the traditional mechanism better.