Chief Chamutsa of Buhera District has banned alcohol consumption during funerals in areas under his jurisdiction, in a bid to restore respect for the dead and curb disorderly conduct among mourners.
The new regulation, titled “By-law for Buhera for Respect of Funeral Proceedings” dated 6 August 2026, prohibits the consumption of alcohol at a bereaved homestead or gravesite, and the bringing, selling or distribution of alcohol and other intoxicating substances at a funeral.
Fighting, exchanging insults or disrupting prayers and eulogies are also banned. No alcohol will be permitted until burial is complete.
The ban was announced by Chief Chamutsa, born Tinotenda Garepi Mavhurudza, who assumed the chieftainship on 7 April 2026.
The traditional leader communicated the prohibition through headmen and village heads across his jurisdiction, arguing that drunken behaviour during funerals was disrespecting the dead and fuelling avoidable conflicts.
“We, as Chief Chamutsa’s court, are deeply concerned and disturbed by repeated acts of disrespect and disorder during funerals in our area. We feel that people have lost respect for the dead, as dictated by our cultural norms,” the chief said.
“People are fighting at funerals, and the bereaved are being abused. It is against this background that we are enacting this new by-law to preserve the dignity of the deceased, restore respect for funerals, allow the bereaved to be consoled in peace, and maintain general peace in the community under Chief Chamutsa, Buhera District.”
Under the new law, bereaved families are required to ensure that no alcohol is brought into their homesteads during a funeral, while headmen and village heads must monitor proceedings, educate mourners and enforce compliance.
The by-law will serve as a warning for three weeks after its announcement on 6 August, with full enforcement and penalties taking effect from 27 August 2026.
Those found in possession of alcohol at a funeral will be fined US$30 or a goat. Fighting or disrupting funeral proceedings will attract a court fee and a fine of US$50.
Traditional leaders have been tasked to enforce the ban and report violations.
More: The Manica Post
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