MARTIN MAWAYA
Gweru-The body of Courage Sibanda (19) who was mistakenly buried at Mutasa Cemetery, Cliffton Park in Gweru instead of that of Takudzwa Chipadza, has been exhumed a week after burial.
Sibanda’s body was exhumed after the family noticed that it’s not their kin during the body viewing and raised alarm.
Midlands Province police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed that the body swap occurred at Gweru Provincial Hospital mortuary after the late Chipadza’s family picked and buried Sibanda instead of Chipadza.
The late Chipadza was struck to death with a beer bottle by Sibanda on December 4, 2023 in Mkoba 14 for refusing to share a scud of beer.
Insp Mahoko told The Midweek Watch that on the December 6, 2023, “Chipadza’s family buried the body of Sibanda on the 7thday of December 2023 at Mutasa Cemetery, Clifton Park, Gweru”.
He said the mix up came to light when Sibanda’s relatives took the body to Somabhula for burial.
Insp Mahoko added that on the day of the burial during body viewing, the father of the deceased discovered that it was not his son.
“The family advised Gweru Provincial Hospital authorities about the incident and Takudzwa’s relatives were engaged.
“Upon identification of the body both families agreed that the body which had been brought back was that of Takudzwa Chipadza. Courage Sibanda had been mistakenly buried,” said Insp Mahoko.
The exhumation of Sibandabody was granted by the relevant authorities and both bodies will be buried today in Somabhula and Mutasa Cemetery respectively.
Police has encouraged bereaved famillies to take their time in identifying their dead relatives and be satisfied before burial to avoid such mix up.
Both deceased were killed during the beer drinking scuffle incidents that occurred at Tatenda Bottle Store and Bvudzijena Night Club respectively.
