Wrangles continue over Mutumwa Mawere's burial

Tensions have escalated sharply between sections of the Mawere and Machiri families over the burial arrangements of the late business tycoon Mutumwa Dziva Mawere, with fresh attempts reportedly made by the Mawere family to halt a burial scheduled for tomorrow at Fourways Memorial Park Cemetery in Johannesburg.

The latest development follows a letter from the Mawere family demanding that an autopsy be conducted on the burial date, at their own expense, by a forensic pathologist. However, the Machiri family has maintained that the burial will proceed as planned, citing a South African court ruling that cleared the way for interment in Johannesburg.

The court decision has been rejected by members of the Mawere family, who insist that the late businessman should be buried in Mawere Village, Gutu District, Masvingo Province, alongside his ancestors. The dispute has exposed deep-seated family divisions, with accusations and counter-accusations — including claims of professional misconduct, greed and witchcraft — dominating the public fallout.

In a detailed letter dated 23 January 2026, addressed to Dr Rufaro Machiri, Ms Tambudzai Tichagwa Mawere, sister to the late businessman, expressed grave concern over the handling of her brother's remains. She said the family's tradition is unequivocal.

"The Mawere Dziva Hove Totem family's position remains that Mutumwa should be buried at Mawere Village in Zimbabwe. This position is final and beyond any negotiations," she wrote.

Ms Tambudzai condemned what she described as unauthorised burial notices circulating on social media announcing a funeral on January 26, 2026, in Johannesburg, insisting the body should be repatriated to Zimbabwe. She also criticised fundraising appeals linked to the funeral, saying the Mawere family had not sanctioned them.

The letter further accuses Dr Rufaro Machiri, a medical professional, of unethical conduct, alleging that he allowed "strangers" and non-family members — including Irene Machiri and Gerald Machiri — to make public decisions and statements about Mawere's funeral without consultation.

Ms Tambudzai demanded that a private autopsy be carried out by forensic pathologist Dr Hestelle van Staden, stating that the family would cover all associated costs. She also raised concerns about how Mawere's health was managed prior to his death, alleging that he was effectively "held hostage" by certain individuals, resulting in unnecessary suffering.

Contacted for comment, Mr Gerald Machiri, who is coordinating the burial, confirmed that plans remain unchanged.

"Yes, it is [going ahead]. Some Mawere family members that want to remain anonymous want to participate and have given their unconditional support and love," he said.

Responding to Ms Tambudzai's claims, Mr Machiri dismissed her letter as defamatory and ill-intentioned.

"She is interested in sekuru MDM's estate. Sekuru had three children and they are the beneficiaries of his estate. As instructed by sekuru MDM before his demise, my next task is to ensure that his beneficiaries receive their inheritance," he said.

Mr Machiri added that Mawere had explicitly instructed him to ensure his burial in Johannesburg.

"His first instruction to me was to ensure his burial in Johannesburg, where he called home," he said, adding that lawyers had since been consulted over what he described as "outrageous, libellous and disgusting accusations."

As the burial date approaches, the bitter dispute shows no sign of abating, underscoring the profound family rifts surrounding the final resting place of one of Zimbabwe's most prominent businessmen.