BRILLIANT MUKARO
MASVINGO RURAL-Irate mourners from Zindoga and Gwembe villages under Chief Murinye in Masvingo District have been arrested for allegedly assaulting Chief Murinye real name Ephias Munodawafa for trying to stop them from burying their relative on their desired site.
Murinye was allegedly slapped and had to run for dear life after a mob of angry mourning villagers were behind him in hot pursuit baying for his blood.
Chief Murinye confirmed the matter to The Midweek Watch and said he has since made a police report and the accused will appear in court.
Masvingo Provincial Police spokesperson Inspector, Kudakwashe Dhewa could not confirm the matter as his mobile phone was not being answered.
Chief Murinye said the mtter came to a heat as he tried to bar Munyaradzi Zindoga who is village head Zindoga from burying their relative, Jeffery Zindoga at Zvamapere forest which he said is sacred.
He said the village has a common burial place but Zindoga’s family wanted to bury him in Zvamapere forest which is nearer his homestead.
Chief Murinye said he was approached by village head Zindoga and Munyaradzi Gwembe who is village head Gwembe telling him of Jeffry’s wife’s intention to have her husband buried at Zvamapere.
He accompanied them to the homestead together with a three police officers and a sergeant where the villagers were already digging the grave.
He said he tried to talk to the close family members telling them that the place they intended to bury their relative was sacred and was not allowed to be used as a burial site.
While they were discussing one of the family members went out and called the villagers at the grave before he slapped the Chief on the face.
In a video doing rounds on social media Murinye is seen trying to fend off a mob of marauding villagers who managed to sneak some claps on his face despite being escorted by the police.
The controversial Chief who is known for his bravery and fearlessness said police only managed to make arrests after calling for reinforcements from the nearby camp.
Jeffrey’s body was eventually laid to rest at the sacred place against the Chief’s will.
