Zimbabwe: Nearly Five Decades Later, Edison Sithole’s Disappearance Remains Unsolved

The mysterious disappearance of Dr. Edison Sithole, a prominent African nationalist, continues to haunt his family and the nation of Zimbabwe nearly five decades later. On October 15, 1975, Dr. Sithole and his personal assistant, Miriam Mhlanga, were abducted by Rhodesia Special Branch officers outside the Ambassador Hotel in Salisbury.

During the white colonial rule, disappearances of politically active Africans were not uncommon, with those deemed as “bad influences” often targeted and never seen again. However, Dr. Sithole’s abduction stood out as he was a vocal critic of both the nationalist movement and the Rhodesian authorities, providing intellectual rigor that challenged the white minority regime’s existence.

Despite efforts to solve the mystery surrounding his disappearance, including revelations from former Rhodesian intelligence personnel, the exact fate of Dr. Sithole and his assistant remains unknown. The family still seeks closure, and Zimbabweans demand the truth about the fate of the pioneering nationalist who was the first black person in Southern and Central Africa to obtain a Doctor of Laws degree.

As the years pass, the unanswered questions surrounding Dr. Sithole’s disappearance serve as a reminder of the dark and turbulent history of Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence. The search for truth and justice continues, as the legacy of Dr. Edison Sithole remains a symbol of the sacrifices made in the fight against oppression and injustice.