News / National
New twist to Zimbabwe graves scam
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Restland Memorial Park director Edwin Munyaradzi Muronzi, accused of unlawfully exhuming 78 graves without proper authorization from the Zvimba Rural District Council, has been granted bail of US$200.
Muronzi, who was arrested over the weekend, appeared before Harare Magistrate Mr. Isheanesu Matova yesterday. He faces charges of violating the Graves and Corpses Act. The case stems from allegations that he unlawfully dug up and moved remains from graves at the cemetery.
Initial reports suggested as many as 380 graves had been exhumed. However, Detective Assistant Inspector Tirivangani Madhibha confirmed that the actual number of graves exhumed unlawfully was 78. This was in addition to 69 graves legally exhumed in 2018 with council approval, bringing the total to 147.
Prosecutor Mr. Takudzwa Jambawu told the court that Muronzi purchased a 36-hectare property in Rainham in 2015 with the intent to develop a private cemetery. However, the land had already been used as a burial site by local residents, a fact unknown to the Zvimba Rural District Council.
In 2018, Restland Memorial Park was granted approval to exhume and rebury 69 graves to make way for cemetery infrastructure, including roads and parking facilities. Muronzi reportedly hired workers to conduct these exhumations.
On December 5, police from ZRP Mabelreign received reports of suspected grave violations at the site. Upon investigation, officers found evidence of human remains while new graves were being dug.
Muronzi provided paperwork for the 69 approved exhumations from 2018, but investigators discovered that an additional 78 graves had been unlawfully exhumed and their remains reburied.
When questioned, Muronzi was unable to explain the unauthorized exhumations, leading to his arrest and subsequent court appearances.
Muronzi first appeared in court on Saturday and was remanded in custody. He was granted bail on his second appearance, with conditions expected to ensure he does not interfere with investigations.
The case continues, shedding light on the need for stricter oversight in cemetery management and the handling of sensitive burial sites.
Muronzi, who was arrested over the weekend, appeared before Harare Magistrate Mr. Isheanesu Matova yesterday. He faces charges of violating the Graves and Corpses Act. The case stems from allegations that he unlawfully dug up and moved remains from graves at the cemetery.
Initial reports suggested as many as 380 graves had been exhumed. However, Detective Assistant Inspector Tirivangani Madhibha confirmed that the actual number of graves exhumed unlawfully was 78. This was in addition to 69 graves legally exhumed in 2018 with council approval, bringing the total to 147.
Prosecutor Mr. Takudzwa Jambawu told the court that Muronzi purchased a 36-hectare property in Rainham in 2015 with the intent to develop a private cemetery. However, the land had already been used as a burial site by local residents, a fact unknown to the Zvimba Rural District Council.
In 2018, Restland Memorial Park was granted approval to exhume and rebury 69 graves to make way for cemetery infrastructure, including roads and parking facilities. Muronzi reportedly hired workers to conduct these exhumations.
Muronzi provided paperwork for the 69 approved exhumations from 2018, but investigators discovered that an additional 78 graves had been unlawfully exhumed and their remains reburied.
When questioned, Muronzi was unable to explain the unauthorized exhumations, leading to his arrest and subsequent court appearances.
Muronzi first appeared in court on Saturday and was remanded in custody. He was granted bail on his second appearance, with conditions expected to ensure he does not interfere with investigations.
The case continues, shedding light on the need for stricter oversight in cemetery management and the handling of sensitive burial sites.
Source - The Herald
