Staff Reporter
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested four suspects in connection with a shocking grave desecration scandal involving the violation of over 380 graves and corpses at Restland Memorial Park in Rainham, Harare.
The illegal and taboo activities are said to have occurred between 2015 and 2024, leaving grieving families devastated.
The arrested suspects include Edwin Muronzi, Tinashe Chiguma (32), Moses Gwanya (19), and Kudakwashe Humure (21).
Police investigations revealed that the accused engaged in the exhumation and desecration of graves, reselling the plots to unsuspecting families for burial.
The case came to light on December 4, 2024, when Tinashe Chiguma reported to the police, claiming he had been experiencing haunting visions of deceased individuals demanding answers about their graves.
Chiguma’s confession implicated Muronzi, who is believed to have masterminded the operation, alongside Gwanya and Humure.
According to ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Nyathi, Muronzi employed grave diggers at the cemetery, paying them between USD $15 and $20 per grave to exhume remains.
The exhumed remains were reportedly wrapped in cement bags, then discarded in trenches or nearby dams.
Artifacts buried alongside the bodies were also removed and disposed of.
The emptied graves were then cleaned, rearranged, and resold to new clients under false pretences.
The forensic team from ZRP has launched an intensive investigation to identify the disturbed graves, recover the exhumed remains, and trace their rightful families.
Police are also working to locate the sites where human remains and artifacts were dumped.
Police are appealing to the public for information leading to the arrest of three other individuals identified as Kevy, Shumba, and Dread, who are believed to have been involved in the grave desecration syndicate.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of the outstanding suspects only identified as Kevy, Shumba and Dread. Anyone with information to contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197 or report at any nearest Police Station,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
The revelations have sparked outrage among Harare residents and across Zimbabwe, with many calling for stricter regulations at cemeteries and harsher penalties for those who desecrate graves.
“This is not just a crime; it is a complete violation of our culture and humanity. The authorities must ensure those responsible are held accountable and that such incidents never happen again,” said a local community leader.
The ZRP continues to investigate the case, and more arrests are expected as they unravel the full extent of the desecration scandal.
Meanwhile, this appalling crime highlights the need for stricter cemetery management and cultural respect for the deceased, as Zimbabwe comes to terms with one of its most shocking cases of grave desecration in recent history.
