By Martin Muleya
It has been more than 25days since tourist Zayd Dada (a Zimbabwean of Asian origin) was declared missing in the Nyanga mountains, some 300km south of Mutare.
Dada who was in the company of his wife Rayaaz and another couple went missing four days into the new year when the two couples decided to tour the famous Nyanga mountains.
Although Nyanga mountain is a majestic feature that stands out as the highest point in Manicaland province and Zimbabwe at large, with a range of 2 592metres (8 504feet), it remains a centre of attraction in the quiet and serene area of Nyanga.
Over and above all the myths, truths and half- truths surrounding the mountain are shrouded in mystery.
Besides for the mountain bring enigmatic and being a tourist attraction, it continues to be a dangerous and sacred mountain. It is believed that among the dos and don’ts, hikers or rather tourists should not be foul-mouthed, engage in ‘horizontal gymanistics’ (sexual activities), relieving themselves and be cautious on dangerous steep edges.
But the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Zayd Dada in the deep bowls of the mountain till today is still unclear. Dada went missing on the 4th of January 2014 after he had gone hiking in the sacred mountain with friends. His family and friends turned back at the foot of the mountain, while Dada proceeded alone and later disappeared.
Acting Nyanga district administrator Mr David Tsatsire said officially three people have been recorded to have mysteriously disappeared on the mountain, and these are the two daughters of former Finance Minister Mr Tichaendepi Masaya in the 80s and the latest victim 31year old Zayd Dada.
“On record we have three people, two of the Masaya family and of late Dada. We are optimistic that Dada will be found alive. The mountain is sacred and mysterious events continue happening there. Some people have disappeared before and most of them would appear alive and kicking,” he said.
Incessant efforts by traditional leaders, Zimbabwe National Army, Air force of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Mountain Climbers’ Association, family and friends have proved fruitless, but rays of hope of his “coming back” are alive.
It is now a national case and although there are other untold stories of locals who disappeared on the mountain but were later found or appeared back alive after weeks, months or years.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) Manicaland area manager Mr Daniel Mumpande said traditional leaders in the area (chief Saunyama, Tangwena and headman Sanyanga) have held traditional ceremonies in the hope that the missing tourist would return but up to now he is still missing.
“Chief Saunyama, Chief Tangwena and headman Sanyanga have tried to hold traditional ceremonies but the exercise was futile. Zayd’s brother has since arrived from Australia to assist in the search.
Nyanga national parks and wildlife manager Mr Onias Bepe also informed us that on the fateful day, they had a torrid time in turning tourists away from the mountain as most of them were still eager to hike, after the mysterious disappearance of Dada,”said Mumpande.
It seems the search of the latest Nyanga mountain victim is fading away, yet the tourist has not been found. Perhaps our beloved domestic tourist Dada might be found one day but villagers in Nyanga read from a different page.
They allege that several other ordinary people who probably did not make news had disappeared in the mountain and were never found over the years after they violated some rules, which should be obeyed when climbing the mountain.
“People from here know everything about this mountain, and they hardly climb it. It is sacred,” said one villager who spoke on condition of anonymity.
To further exacerbate the situation bad weather conditions have hampered efforts to search for the missing man, as there has been heavy rainfall and mist in the area, since his disappearance.
But Dada’s wife has not given up the search and has taken her plight to social networks and has created a Facebook page, “Let’s find Zayd” and has now over 11 973 likes.
“After searching the whole day with gift of givers and helpers, we still have not found Zayd. The weather conditions grounded the helicopter unfortunately, but we shall continue our efforts again,”said Rayaaz Dada.
Others have urged Dada’s family to consult traditional healers as this is ‘African science’ at play they allege.
“I am sorry to say this but the family should consult traditional healers in Mutare there because those mountains are a mystery, that is the only way you will find him. He is still alive, he just reached the mountain’s holy places or did things that are not allowed…I am a strong Christian but I encourage you to consult those people, they will help,”said John Malombola.
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