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4 arrested for coffin stunt on kombi
4 hrs ago |
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Four touts were arrested and fined on Tuesday after staging a shocking procession in which a coffin carrying a deceased driver was placed on top of a kombi from Chitungwiza to Highfield.
The suspects - Godwin Mazenge, Michael Zhuwawo (30), Anna Chere (27), and Tawanda Mafaranyika (27) - were charged with disorderly conduct following the incident, which caused major disruption to traffic and public order.
The group, made up of relatives, friends, and fellow touts of the late Paswell Tichare, had collected his body for burial at Mbudzi Cemetery.
At around 4:30pm, they placed the coffin on top of a Toyota Hiace and formed a convoy from Zengeza 4 to Machipisa bus terminus. Upon arrival, the group blocked Main Street, sang songs in honour of the deceased's touting career, and engaged in reckless acts including vehicle skidding.
Police intervened after the procession disrupted traffic flow and public safety. Officers removed the body from the vehicle and temporarily took it to a nearby police station before handing it over to a funeral parlour vehicle to continue burial arrangements.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the arrests, with spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi dismissing social media claims that the death was linked to a police-related road traffic incident.
"The alleged victim, Paswell Tichare (29), passed away on April 5, 2026, after a long illness. He did not die as a result of any police action or road traffic incident," said Nyathi.
He warned against the spread of misinformation online and cautioned that individuals who engage in disruptive funeral processions risk facing legal consequences.
The four suspects have since paid admission of guilt fines, bringing the matter to a close.
The suspects - Godwin Mazenge, Michael Zhuwawo (30), Anna Chere (27), and Tawanda Mafaranyika (27) - were charged with disorderly conduct following the incident, which caused major disruption to traffic and public order.
The group, made up of relatives, friends, and fellow touts of the late Paswell Tichare, had collected his body for burial at Mbudzi Cemetery.
At around 4:30pm, they placed the coffin on top of a Toyota Hiace and formed a convoy from Zengeza 4 to Machipisa bus terminus. Upon arrival, the group blocked Main Street, sang songs in honour of the deceased's touting career, and engaged in reckless acts including vehicle skidding.
Police intervened after the procession disrupted traffic flow and public safety. Officers removed the body from the vehicle and temporarily took it to a nearby police station before handing it over to a funeral parlour vehicle to continue burial arrangements.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the arrests, with spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi dismissing social media claims that the death was linked to a police-related road traffic incident.
"The alleged victim, Paswell Tichare (29), passed away on April 5, 2026, after a long illness. He did not die as a result of any police action or road traffic incident," said Nyathi.
He warned against the spread of misinformation online and cautioned that individuals who engage in disruptive funeral processions risk facing legal consequences.
The four suspects have since paid admission of guilt fines, bringing the matter to a close.
Source - HMetro
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