Zim GBC News | Harare Correspondent<\/p>\n\n\n\n
HARARE \u2013 Tensions boiled over in Highfield on Tuesday when a grieving family, accompanied by friends and associates, stormed Machipisa Police Station carrying a coffin\u2014accusing police of causing the death of their relative in an alleged road traffic incident involving an officer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But authorities have since dismissed the allegations as false, stating that the deceased died of natural causes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Police Spokesperson: ‘No Police Involvement’<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d Nyathi said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to police, the trouble began on 07 April at around 1630 hours when relatives collected Tichare’s body for burial at Mbudzi Cemetery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Disorderly Procession<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nyathi detailed how the group\u2014reportedly including known touts\u2014placed the coffin on top of a Toyota Hiace and formed a convoy from Zengeza 4 to Machipisa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUpon 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,\u201d Nyathi said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He emphasised that the gathering \u201cwas not linked to any police action or road traffic accident in Paswell Tichare’s death.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Police Intervention<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPolice 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,\u201d Nyathi explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arrests Made<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four individuals were arrested for disorderly conduct:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Godwin Mazenge
\u00b7 Michael Zhuwawo (30)
\u00b7 Anna Chere (27)
\u00b7 Tawanda Mafaranyika (27)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All four later paid admission of guilt fines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Warning Against False Information<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nyathi urged the public to exercise restraint and verify information before sharing it online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He issued a stern warning to touts and relatives who disrupt public order:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTouts and relatives who parade coffins while disrupting the smooth flow of traffic will face the full wrath of the law.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Public Reaction<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Residents in Highfield expressed mixed reactions. Some sympathised with the family’s grief, while others condemned the disruption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A local vendor, who requested anonymity, told Zim GBC News:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another resident defended the family, saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMaybe they were genuinely confused. Grief does strange things to people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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