By Princess Eugene
Masimba Mavaza’s Chidhumo is a non fictional narrative and more a meticulous, chronicle of a chilling period in Zimbabwe’s recent history. The book dives into the infamous lives and crimes of Stephen Chidhumo and Edgar Masendeke, a criminal duo whose audacious prison breaks and brutal acts of violence captivated and terrified the nation in the 1990s. The author’s strength lies in his direct and unflinching approach to documenting these sensational events, providing a detailed account that serves as both a historical record and a cautionary tale.
The book lays out a chronological retelling of the duo’s reign of terror, which included armed robberies and murders across the country. Mavaza captures the fear that gripped ordinary citizens and the police force’s relentless, high-profile pursuit. The narrative is at its most compelling when it focuses on the legendary prison escapes, particularly the one from the maximum-security Chikurubi Prison, which made Chidhumo and Masendeke household names. These sections highlight the audacity and seeming invincibility of the criminals, creating a sense of dramatic tension that drives the factual account forward.
While Chidhumo may not be a work of literary fiction, its value is immense as a piece of non-fiction that seeks to memorialize a dark chapter. Mavaza, a known lawyer, writer and commentator, employs a clear, unembellished style that prioritises fact over flourish. He delves into themes of crime and punishment, the nature of evil, and the societal impact of such high-stakes criminality. By focusing on the real-life events, the book avoids glorifying its subjects and instead provides a sobering look at their actions and ultimate fate. The inclusion of a second part, titled “The pains of allegiance,” suggests that the author views this story as a multi-layered exploration of both the individuals involved and the broader social and political context in which they operated.
Chidhumo is an essential read for anyone interested in the true-crime genre, or in understanding a significant event in Zimbabwe’s recent past. It is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most gripping stories are rooted in reality. Mavaza succeeds in giving a factual account that is both informative and compelling.
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