Bulawayo authorises mass grave for unclaimed accident remains

The City of Bulawayo has approved a pauper mass grave for the dignified burial of unclaimed human body parts recovered from the April 18 Independence Day accident in Matobo District, Matabeleland South.

The decision was contained in a Health Services Committee report presented to council on August 24, following a request from the Matabeleland South provincial medical director for burial space for the remains.

The accident occurred during the national Independence Day celebrations held in Matobo between April 17 and 18.

While most of the deceased were identified and their remains collected by relatives for burial, some body parts could not be linked to specific victims and have remained at a local mortuary for more than four months.

"The majority of the deceased persons' remains were collected by their respective relatives for burial," provincial medical director Maphios Siamuchembu said.

"However, certain body parts that could not be linked to any particular individual remain in custody at the local mortuary."

Medical authorities said the unclaimed remains could no longer be identified or claimed, leaving the State responsible for ensuring their proper and dignified disposal.

The request was considered under the Cemeteries Act (Chapter 5:04), which requires local authorities to set aside sections of cemeteries for the burial of poor persons without charge.

Bulawayo's Health Services Department recommended that the remains be buried in a single pauper mass grave, subject to strict conditions designed to protect human dignity and public health.

Before burial, the remains must be formally declared unclaimed and cleared for pauper burial by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

The remains will then be placed respectfully in a single body bag and buried in one grave.

The grave will be permanently marked with the inscription: "UNCLAIMED BODY PARTS – 18 APRIL 2026 ACCIDENT", together with the relevant police reference number.

The marking is intended to preserve a formal link to the accident and allow for future identification should relatives later come forward.

Council confirmed the authorisation, which had already been approved by director of health services Edwin Sibanda in consultation with town clerk Christopher Dube.