Police have clarified an incident in which some family members allegedly brought a coffin to Machipisa Police Station in Highfield, Harare, accusing officers of causing the death of their relative following an alleged road traffic collision involving a police officer.
Following the incident, four touts were arrested and fined on Tuesday for parading the coffin with the body of their colleague, who was a driver, on top of a kombi from Chitungwiza to Highfield.
The case has been shrouded in mystery, with conflicting accounts circulating on social media.
The body was later placed in a funeral hearse and taken to the cemetery for burial.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the police wish to set the record straight about the incident.
“The alleged victim, Paswell Tichare (29) of Hopley, Harare, passed away on 05th April 2026 at Unit H Shopping Centre, Chitungwiza, after a long illness.
“He did not die as a result of any police action or road traffic incident involving a police officer.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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, four people have been arrested and fined.
“Four individuals, Godwin Mazenge, Michael Zhuwawo (30), Anna Chere (27) and Tawanda Mafaranyika (27) were arrested for disorderly conduct.
“The suspects have since paid admission of guilt deposit 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.
“On the other hand, touts and relatives who parade coffins while disrupting the smooth flow of traffic will face the full wrath of law.”
