'Be wary of fly-by-night parlours'

PEOPLE must be wary of fly-by night funeral parlours that survive on milking desperate clients in their time of need, Vineyard Funeral Assurance company chairperson Samson Mavende said yesterday.

Mavende was speaking during the unveiling of the firm's newly-acquired hearses in Harare.

The event was attended by several people, including officials from the Zimbabwe Association of Funeral Assurers.

"We have heard and at times witnessed shocking episodes of grieving families duped by fly-by-night funeral assurance companies who capitalise on the tragedy of human loss and desperation and pounce on those who will be grieving," Mavende said.

"We have heard sad tales of these so-called funeral companies disappearing in thin air after failing to deliver the promise of availing a dignified send-off to a dearly departed relative or friend, yet after having embezzled clients' remittances."

Mavende said the procurement of the hearses was part of his firm's continuous effort to sustain its "mutually-cultivated relationship" with clients.

Vineyard Funeral Assurance managing director Solomon Chikanda said the procurement of the hearses was in line with the company's policy of providing top-class services.