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ZRP clarifies viral claims of 'coffin protest' in Highfield
7 hrs ago |
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The Zimbabwe Republic Police has dismissed social media reports alleging that family members brought a coffin to Machipisa Police Station in Highfield to protest the death of a relative following a road traffic incident involving a police officer.
In a statement, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the reports were false and misleading, and confirmed that the deceased, 29-year-old Paswell Tichare of Hopley, Harare, died on 5 April 2026 at Unit H Shopping Centre in Chitungwiza after a long illness.
He stressed that the death was not linked to any police action or a traffic accident involving law enforcement officers.
According to police, on 7 April 2026, relatives and associates of the deceased collected the body for burial at Mbudzi Cemetery. The group, which included touts, reportedly transported the coffin on a Toyota Hiace and moved in convoy from Zengeza 4 towards Machipisa bus terminus.
Police say the situation escalated when the group blocked traffic along Main Street, sang songs celebrating the deceased's touting activities, and engaged in reckless behaviour, including vehicle skidding.
Officers intervened to restore order, after which the coffin was temporarily taken to Machipisa Police Station before being handed over to a funeral service vehicle to allow burial arrangements to continue.
Four individuals - Godwin Mazenge, Michael Zhuwawo (30), Anna Chere (27), and Tawanda Mafaranyika (27) - were arrested for disorderly conduct. They have since been released after paying admission-of-guilt fines.
Commissioner Nyathi urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information online, warning that misinformation can create unnecessary alarm.
He also cautioned against the practice of parading coffins on public roads in ways that disrupt traffic, stating that offenders will face the full force of the law.
In a statement, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the reports were false and misleading, and confirmed that the deceased, 29-year-old Paswell Tichare of Hopley, Harare, died on 5 April 2026 at Unit H Shopping Centre in Chitungwiza after a long illness.
He stressed that the death was not linked to any police action or a traffic accident involving law enforcement officers.
According to police, on 7 April 2026, relatives and associates of the deceased collected the body for burial at Mbudzi Cemetery. The group, which included touts, reportedly transported the coffin on a Toyota Hiace and moved in convoy from Zengeza 4 towards Machipisa bus terminus.
Police say the situation escalated when the group blocked traffic along Main Street, sang songs celebrating the deceased's touting activities, and engaged in reckless behaviour, including vehicle skidding.
Officers intervened to restore order, after which the coffin was temporarily taken to Machipisa Police Station before being handed over to a funeral service vehicle to allow burial arrangements to continue.
Four individuals - Godwin Mazenge, Michael Zhuwawo (30), Anna Chere (27), and Tawanda Mafaranyika (27) - were arrested for disorderly conduct. They have since been released after paying admission-of-guilt fines.
Commissioner Nyathi urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information online, warning that misinformation can create unnecessary alarm.
He also cautioned against the practice of parading coffins on public roads in ways that disrupt traffic, stating that offenders will face the full force of the law.
Source - Pindula
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