"The only violence was when these so-called 'freedom fighters' terrorized the poor Africans in the villages... They were told what to do and who to support"

This quote by Ian Smith is referring to the violence that was caused by the "liberty fighters" during the Rhodesian Bush War. The liberty fighters were a group of guerilla fighters who were defending the self-reliance of Rhodesia from the British colonial guideline. The violence they caused was mainly directed towards the African villagers, who were forced to support the freedom fighters and follow their orders. This violence included intimidation, damage of residential or commercial property, and even murder. The freedom fighters were utilizing fear and violence to gain control of the African towns and to acquire support for their cause. This quote is a pointer of the cruelty and injustice that was inflicted on the African individuals during this time. It is a suggestion of the requirement for justice and flexibility for all people, no matter race or ethnicity.