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Public outrage over condoms confiscated at National Heroes Acre funeral
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HARARE - A controversial incident involving Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) agents and Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers has sparked widespread public condemnation after mourners attending the burial of national hero Mpandasekwa Mzheri at National Heroes Acre were subjected to searches that resulted in the confiscation of condoms.
The mourners, many of whom were bussed ZANU-PF members en route to Mutare for the party's National People's Conference, expressed shock and frustration at the treatment they received.
"This is a funeral, not a crime scene. What's wrong with carrying condoms?" one mourner was heard saying.
Another attendee added, "This is ridiculous. Are they implying that we can't behave ourselves at a funeral?"
The incident, which coincided with two major national events - the heroes burial and the annual party conference — has been described by many as inhumane and draconian.
Human rights organisations have weighed in, calling the confiscation a violation of health and privacy rights, and warning that such actions could have harmful public health consequences.
A spokesperson from the Zimbabwe Aids Network (ZAN) urged patience while their internal media teams investigate the incident.
"We are still waiting for a report from our internal media teams, but if indeed the incident is real, we condemn such rogue elements," the official said.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has yet to issue an official response. Spokesperson Donald Mujiri distanced the ministry from the incident, stating:
"I am not sure of what actually transpired since I did not attend the burial event. As a Ministry, we don't have a policy empowering officials to confiscate condoms from mourners."
He referred inquiries to Minister Douglas Mombeshora, who was present at the burial.
The incident has ignited a broader debate about the role of state security agencies, the limits of surveillance at public events, and the need for sensible, rights-based policies.
As one Zimbabwean put it, "This is not about condoms; it's about respect and common sense."
The mourners, many of whom were bussed ZANU-PF members en route to Mutare for the party's National People's Conference, expressed shock and frustration at the treatment they received.
"This is a funeral, not a crime scene. What's wrong with carrying condoms?" one mourner was heard saying.
Another attendee added, "This is ridiculous. Are they implying that we can't behave ourselves at a funeral?"
The incident, which coincided with two major national events - the heroes burial and the annual party conference — has been described by many as inhumane and draconian.
Human rights organisations have weighed in, calling the confiscation a violation of health and privacy rights, and warning that such actions could have harmful public health consequences.
A spokesperson from the Zimbabwe Aids Network (ZAN) urged patience while their internal media teams investigate the incident.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has yet to issue an official response. Spokesperson Donald Mujiri distanced the ministry from the incident, stating:
"I am not sure of what actually transpired since I did not attend the burial event. As a Ministry, we don't have a policy empowering officials to confiscate condoms from mourners."
He referred inquiries to Minister Douglas Mombeshora, who was present at the burial.
The incident has ignited a broader debate about the role of state security agencies, the limits of surveillance at public events, and the need for sensible, rights-based policies.
As one Zimbabwean put it, "This is not about condoms; it's about respect and common sense."
Source - Byo24News
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