News / National
Man abuses funds for friend's repatriation from SA
1 hr ago |
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A Harare man, Douglas Matadi, is facing public outrage after allegedly mismanaging nearly US$2,000 raised to repatriate the body of his friend, Farai Mushamba, from South Africa.
The funds, US$1,975 collected via GoFundMe, were intended to transport Mushamba's body from Cape Town to Bikita, Masvingo, for burial. However, the family claims that only US$380 was returned after they demanded an accounting, forcing them to scramble for alternative funds to lay their relative to rest on January 10.
"We trusted him because this was a funeral. We come from the same village in Bikita and we just call each other brothers," said family spokesperson Arthur Mushamba, Farai's elder brother. "While we were running around with burial logistics, he was busy enriching himself."
The matter has been reported to police and is being investigated at Harare Central Police under case CR1008/01/26.
Following police pressure, Matadi has returned the money in portions — US$100 on January 20, US$282 on January 21, and US$372 on February 2 — citing a mistaken transfer to the wrong account. So far, US$1,134 has been returned, leaving US$843 still unaccounted for.
"He gave us silly excuses, saying the technology he used betrayed him and even threatened us, claiming we couldn't get him arrested," Mushamba added.
The incident has divided mourners, with some demanding Matadi's immediate arrest and others calling for him to explain himself. The family says they are leaving the matter in the hands of the police.
In messages to the family WhatsApp group, Matadi admitted to wrongdoing, promising to repay the outstanding balance. "I admit the wrongdoing on my part, I used the wrong technology. I will get back the funds," he said.
The saga has sparked heated debate about accountability and trust in handling funds for grieving families.
The funds, US$1,975 collected via GoFundMe, were intended to transport Mushamba's body from Cape Town to Bikita, Masvingo, for burial. However, the family claims that only US$380 was returned after they demanded an accounting, forcing them to scramble for alternative funds to lay their relative to rest on January 10.
"We trusted him because this was a funeral. We come from the same village in Bikita and we just call each other brothers," said family spokesperson Arthur Mushamba, Farai's elder brother. "While we were running around with burial logistics, he was busy enriching himself."
The matter has been reported to police and is being investigated at Harare Central Police under case CR1008/01/26.
Following police pressure, Matadi has returned the money in portions — US$100 on January 20, US$282 on January 21, and US$372 on February 2 — citing a mistaken transfer to the wrong account. So far, US$1,134 has been returned, leaving US$843 still unaccounted for.
"He gave us silly excuses, saying the technology he used betrayed him and even threatened us, claiming we couldn't get him arrested," Mushamba added.
The incident has divided mourners, with some demanding Matadi's immediate arrest and others calling for him to explain himself. The family says they are leaving the matter in the hands of the police.
In messages to the family WhatsApp group, Matadi admitted to wrongdoing, promising to repay the outstanding balance. "I admit the wrongdoing on my part, I used the wrong technology. I will get back the funds," he said.
The saga has sparked heated debate about accountability and trust in handling funds for grieving families.
Source - hmetro
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