Suspected Human Remains Found Scattered In Dense Thicket In Odzi

Suspected human remains were found scattered in a bush in Nyachityu Village under Chief Marange in Odzi, near Mukamba homestead, over the weekend.

Acting Manicaland police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident.

He said the remains were discovered on 11 April 2026 at around 4:30 pm by 65-year-old Lovemore Ganyaupfu of Mutidzawanda Village, who had attended a funeral in the area.

“After the burial, the informant was on his way home when he briefly went into the bush, about five metres from the footpath, to relieve himself. It was during this time that he discovered a bone clad in blue work suit trousers, which he suspected to be a human leg bone,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

He said Ganyaupfu quickly alerted other mourners and led them back to the scene, where further remains were discovered.

More bones were found scattered in the area, along with a work suit jacket. A rope was also seen hanging from a nearby tree, with what is believed to be a neck bone attached.

The matter was reported to ZRP Odzi, who attended the scene and recovered skeletal remains, including parts of the upper body and smaller bones scattered in the surrounding bush. The area is described as dense and rarely used by villagers.

Village head Luke Mulamba said the discovery has shocked the community and raised suspicions that the remains could belong to a local man who went missing late last year.

“As a community, we are deeply disturbed by this discovery. We suspect the remains could be of one of the local villagers who disappeared towards the end of last year, although we are waiting for confirmation from the authorities,” said Mulamba.

Police said a missing person report had been filed, and the clothing found at the scene appears to match descriptions given at the time.

It has also been established that the missing man had reportedly shown signs of suicidal tendencies, having expressed distress to relatives over an undisclosed issue before his disappearance.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said investigations are ongoing and appealed to anyone with a relative who has gone missing to come forward to assist with identification.

The remains have been taken to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination.

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