Harare Correspondent
HARARE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have apprehended four men linked to a disturbing grave-resale syndicate accused of desecrating approximately 380 graves at Restland Memorial Park in Rainham, Harare, between 2015 and 2024.
National ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi announced the arrests on Thursday, identifying the suspects as Edwin Muronzi, Tinashe Chiguma (32), Moses Gwanya (19), and Kudakwashe Humure (21).
The suspects are alleged to have exhumed human remains to resell burial plots to unsuspecting families.
The investigation was prompted by a report from Chiguma, who claimed to have been experiencing visions of the dead.
“He implicated his employer, Muronzi, and others in the alleged scheme,” Com: Nyathi revealed.
According to investigators, Muronzi reportedly hired grave diggers, paying them between $15 to $20 per grave to remove remains and any artifacts buried with the deceased.
“The remains were packed into cement bags and disposed of in a trench or dam behind the cemetery,” Nyathi explained.
After disturbing the graves, the suspects would clean them up and resell the plots for new burials.
Police forensic teams are currently working to identify the tampered graves and recover the remains. Authorities are also on the lookout for three additional suspects, identified only by their aliases: Kevy, Shumba, and Dread, who remain at large.
Commissioner Nyathi urged the public to assist in the investigation, saying,
“We encourage anyone with information to contact the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631, WhatsApp 0712800197, or report to the nearest police station.”
The case has shocked the community, highlighting the need for vigilance and respect for the deceased in burial practices.
Zim GBC News©2024