The body of a 12-month-old infant was allegedly stolen from a grave by unknown people in Chisumbanje.
Police said the incident came to light on Saturday 06 May in Musaonyerwa Village.
In a post on the ZRP Twitter page on Monday, Police said the baby died on 7 February this year. Reads the post:
<blockquote>
Police in Chisumbanje are investigating circumstances surrounding a case of violating a grave in which a dug-out grave was found, with a missing corpse, on 06/05/23 at Musaonyerwa Village.
The violated grave was that of an infant (12 months) who passed on 07/02/23. The missing corpse has not yet been found.
Anyone with information to report at any nearest Police Station.
</blockquote>
Violating a grave refers to any action that desecrates or disturbs the resting place of the dead.
This is considered a serious taboo and disrespectful to the deceased and their family members.
Grave violations in Zimbabwe include digging up graves without proper authorisation, removing or stealing items from graves (such as headstones, ornaments, or even human remains), or using grave sites for purposes other than burial or memorialisation.
A significant proportion of the Zimbabwean population believes in witchcraft and the disappearance of the toddler’s remains could be viewed as the work of witches or people dabbling in “juju” who use human body parts for ritual purposes.
Violating a grave is considered a criminal offence and is punishable under the Burial and Cremation Act.
The penalty for violating a grave can vary depending on the severity of the offense and the circumstances surrounding it.
Those found guilty may face imprisonment for up to two years or be required to pay a fine.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

12 Month Old Baby's Grave Dug Up, Body “Stolen”

Police in Matabeleland South Province are looking for relatives of the late Kenneth Sibanda whose body has been at Esigodini District Hospital for over a month.
In a statement, provincial police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena said the late Sibanda who was aged 69 collapsed and died in the bush while looking for firewood on 15 July after complaining of stomach pains. Said Insp Mangena:
<blockquote>
The ZRP is holding the body of a deceased person known as Kenneth Sibanda who died at the age of 69.
The deceased had been staying with a friend in Jacaranda Suburb in Gwanda after they had met at Bina Mine in Gwanda.
On 15 July at around 7 AM the now deceased left home to collect firewood, he had a long history of stomach pains and was due for a checkup at the Gwanda Provincial Hospital.
While he was collecting firewood he collapsed and died on the spot. His body was taken to Esigodini District Hospital Mortuary where it’s still kept.
Relatives of the now-deceased or anyone who might know him can contact me Inspector Mangena on landline 08428-22810 or cell number 0772 226 819/0176 683 680.
They can also contact the investigating officer Constable Vashiko on 0776 232 369 or they can contact any nearest police station.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/just-in-police-seek-family-of-a-dead-man/">Chronicle</a></h4>

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