Zim GBC News | Harare Correspondent
HARARE – Tensions boiled over in Highfield on Tuesday when a grieving family, accompanied by friends and associates, stormed Machipisa Police Station carrying a coffin—accusing police of causing the death of their relative in an alleged road traffic incident involving an officer.
The dramatic protest, captured in a viral video, saw a procession march through Machipisa Bus Terminus, blocking main roads and drawing a large crowd before police moved in to restore order.
But authorities have since dismissed the allegations as false, stating that the deceased died of natural causes.
Police Spokesperson: ‘No Police Involvement’
In a statement released Wednesday, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi set the record straight, identifying the deceased as Paswell Tichare (29) of Hopley, Harare.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police wishes to set the record straight that the alleged victim, Paswell Tichare (29) of Hopley, Harare, passed away on 05th April 2026 at Unit H Shopping Centre, Chitungwiza, after a long illness. He did not die as a result of any police action or road traffic incident involving a police officer,” Nyathi said.
According to police, the trouble began on 07 April at around 1630 hours when relatives collected Tichare’s body for burial at Mbudzi Cemetery.
Disorderly Procession
Nyathi detailed how the group—reportedly including known touts—placed the coffin on top of a Toyota Hiace and formed a convoy from Zengeza 4 to Machipisa.
“Upon reaching Machipisa, the group blocked Main Street, disrupted the free flow of traffic, sang songs honouring their late colleague’s touting activities and engaged in reckless conduct, including vehicle skidding,” Nyathi said.
He emphasised that the gathering “was not linked to any police action or road traffic accident in Paswell Tichare’s death.”
Police Intervention
Officers at Machipisa acted swiftly to restore order, removing the coffin from the vehicle and transferring it to a funeral parlour vehicle to allow burial proceedings to continue.
“Police acted swiftly to restore order and ensure the safety of other road users by taking the body to the police station and subsequent handover to a funeral parlour vehicle,” Nyathi explained.
Arrests Made
Four individuals were arrested for disorderly conduct:
· Godwin Mazenge
· Michael Zhuwawo (30)
· Anna Chere (27)
· Tawanda Mafaranyika (27)
All four later paid admission of guilt fines.
Warning Against False Information
Nyathi urged the public to exercise restraint and verify information before sharing it online.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges members of the public to desist from spreading unverified information on social media, as this may cause unnecessary alarm and confusion,” he said.
He issued a stern warning to touts and relatives who disrupt public order:
“Touts and relatives who parade coffins while disrupting the smooth flow of traffic will face the full wrath of the law.”
Public Reaction
Residents in Highfield expressed mixed reactions. Some sympathised with the family’s grief, while others condemned the disruption.
A local vendor, who requested anonymity, told Zim GBC News:
“We understand the pain of losing a loved one, but bringing a coffin to the police station without facts is not the answer. It traumatised everyone, including children.”
Another resident defended the family, saying:
“Maybe they were genuinely confused. Grief does strange things to people.”
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