“Coffin Dumped At Police Station”: ZRP Refutes Social Media Reports

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have dismissed social media reports claiming that family members carried a coffin to Machipisa Police Station in Highfield to protest the death of a relative.

The reports claimed that the deceased had died following a road traffic accident involving a police officer.

In a statement released on Thursday, 9 April, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said that the deceased, identified as 29-year-old Paswell Tichare of Hopley, Harare, actually passed away on 5 April 2026 at Unit H Shopping Centre in Chitungwiza following a long illness.

Commissioner Nyathi stressed that Tichare’s death was not caused by any police officer or any traffic incident involving a member of the force.

“On 07th April 2026 at around 1630 hours, relatives, friends and associates of Paswell Tichare proceeded to collect the body for burial at Mbudzi Cemetery,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

“The group, which included touts, placed the coffin on top of a Toyota Hiace vehicle and formed a convoy from Zengeza 4 to Machipisa bus terminus.

“Upon reaching Machipisa, the group blocked Main Street, disrupted the free flow of traffic, sang songs honouring their late colleague’s touting activities and engaged in reckless conduct, including vehicle skidding.

“The gathering was not linked to any police action or road traffic accident in Paswell Tichare’s death.”

Commissioner Nyathi said officers were forced to intervene to restore order and ensure the safety of other road users.

“Police acted swiftly to restore order and ensure the safety of other road users by taking the body to the Police station and subsequent handover to a funeral parlour vehicle,” he said.

“The coffin was subsequently removed from the Toyota Hiace and transferred into the funeral service vehicle for the continuation of burial proceedings.”

Commissioner Nyathi said the police acted quickly to restore order and protect other road users. Officers took the body to the police station before handing it over to a funeral parlour.

He added that the coffin was moved from a Toyota Hiace into the funeral service vehicle so that the burial could proceed.

Four people, Godwin Mazenge, Michael Zhuwawo (30), Anna Chere (27), and Tawanda Mafaranyika (27), were arrested for disorderly conduct. The suspects have since been released after paying admission-of-guilt fines.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges members of the public to desist from spreading unverified information on social media, as this may cause unnecessary alarm and confusion,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

“On the other hand, touts and relatives who parade coffins while disrupting the smooth flow of traffic will face the full wrath of the law.”