The human resources officer at Rusape General Hospital, Collin Mukondomi, was reportedly attacked by angry mourners during a church service on Tuesday.
The incident occurred after Mukondomi allegedly gave a controversial eulogy about the deceased, Martin Karachi, who passed away last Saturday.
Mukondomi reportedly criticized Karichi’s work record and accused him of taking medication from the hospital pharmacy to treat people illegally.
This upset the mourners and Karichi’s relatives, who then dragged Mukondomi out of St John’s United Methodist Church in Vengere and beat him. Mukondomi quickly left the funeral in response to the attack.
The church’s laity leader, Philip Kanengoni, confirmed the incident to <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/boss-bashed-over-inappropriate-funeral-remarks/">The Manica Post</a> but did not provide further details.
A senior church member, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that Mukondomi’s behaviour was inappropriate, as it is considered un-African to speak badly of the dead. Said the church member:
<blockquote>
Mrs Mushawa, who was nominated to speak on behalf of Sekuru Karichi’s former colleagues, delivered a heartfelt tribute, recounting their positive working relationship until his retirement.
However, Mukondomi took to the podium and began making disparaging remarks about Sekuru Karichi, shocking relatives, church members and friends.
He claimed that the late Sekuru Karichi was incorrectly addressed as ‘Dr’ since he was merely a nurse aide, and alleged this led to unauthorised use of hospital medications.
Mukondomi also boasted about saving Sekuru Karichi from dismissal and demoting him to a general hand. As the human resources officer, he emphasised his authority to hire and fire staff.
The mourners erupted in outrage, prompting the director of ceremonies to intervene and seize the microphone.
Sekuru Karichi’s relatives manhandled Mukondomi, causing chaos in the church. He was dragged outside and assaulted before fleeing from the premises.
We never expected such behaviour from a former colleague, especially one in a senior position. It was completely unacceptable.
</blockquote>
Mukondomi admitted discussing the lesser-known aspects of Sekuru Karichi’s character, arguing that he saw no issue with what he said as he was invited to speak about the deceased’s work history. He also denied being assaulted, claiming he left the funeral peacefully. Said Mukondomi:
<blockquote>
I was given a slot to speak as someone who had worked with the deceased. I thought they wanted to hear about his work history, so I shared how we had worked well together.
However, I also revealed some of the deceased’s lesser-known qualities; which made some mourners uncomfortable.
</blockquote>
Mukondomi later reached out to The Manica Post, admitting that what he did was wrong and expressing regret for his words.
He added that he was waiting for the tension to subside before approaching Sekuru Karichi’s family to offer his apology. Said Mukondomi:
<blockquote>
I wish to extend my sincerest apologies to all concerned parties. I have not yet approached them, as I believe emotions are still running high, but I intend to do so.
My comments were inappropriate, and I am not proud of them. What I said was not right.
</blockquote>

Pindula News

A man named Mukondomi spoke badly about a deceased person named Karachi at a funeral, which made people angry. The man was beaten up and chased away from the funeral. Mukondomi later admitted that he was wrong and apologized for his words. He said he will apologize to Karachi's family when things calm down. Mukondomi was criticized for speaking badly about the dead, which is not considered right. He also denied being assaulted, but witnesses saw him being dragged out of the church and beaten up by angry mourners.

Boss Beaten Up, Chased From Funeral After Criticising Deceased Subordinate

Two brothers, Rassson Hove (38) and Moses Mudzingwa (31) have been sentenced to prison for a violent dispute that led to the unlawful slaughter of their sibling’s ox.
The two men, from Mangunye Village, will each serve an effective nine years in jail after the Gweru Magistrates’ Court suspended one year of their sentences on the condition that they pay restitution to the ox owner, their brother.
They are required to compensate him to the tune of US$500, with each contributing US$250.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the incident occurred on November 10, when the two brothers attended a funeral at their brother’s homestead.
Tensions flared after Hove and Mudzingwa accused the complainant of bewitching their deceased sibling. The disagreement escalated into a heated argument, which caused the complainant to flee his home in fear.
In an act of retaliation, Hove and Mudzingwa went to their brother’s kraal and unlawfully slaughtered one of his oxen.
They served a portion of the meat at the funeral while leaving the remainder in the complainant’s bedroom. The ox, valued at US$500, was not recovered.
Despite the brothers’ actions, the court allowed for the possibility of a reduced sentence, contingent on their compensation to the complainant.
As it stands, the two will each spend nine years behind bars unless the compensation is made.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Two brothers, Rassson and Moses, were put in jail for killing their brother's ox during a family funeral. They were mad at their brother and accused him of bad things. So, they went to his house, killed one of his oxen, and left some of the meat in his bedroom. The court said they could lessen their nine-year sentences if they paid $500 to their brother, which they both need to pay half of. But if they don't pay, they will stay in jail for nine years. It all happened because of a big fight at the funeral.

Siblings Jailed For Slaughtering Brother’s Ox At Family Funeral

Health authorities in Bikita have banned the serving of food during funerals, weddings and other public gatherings to curb the spread of cholera, <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/bikita-health-authorities-ban-serving-of-food-at-funerals-amid-cholera-scare/">reported ZimLive</a>.
The decree follows a recent outbreak of the disease which has claimed almost 100 lives across the country since February this year.
In a statement, the Ministry of Health and Child Care said the measure will be in place until the outbreak has been brought under control. It said:
<blockquote>
In light of the current cholera outbreak in our district, this office writes to enforce the provisions of the Public Health Act CP 15:17 Section 46.
We effect that no gatherings that provide food will be sanctioned until our outbreak subsides.
All deaths be notified to the Ministry of Health and Child Care. All funerals be supervised by health staff and not provide food.
Please be guided accordingly. In the interest of Public Health.
</blockquote>
In Zaka, the Ministry of Health and Childcare issued a statement setting out new rules to be observed as it tries to fight the outbreak. <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/cholera-spreading-fast-in-zimbabwe-with-funeral-restrictions-calls-to-close-schools-20231004">These are</a>:
<ul>
<li>The suspension of controlled gatherings and those sanctioned must be supervised by Ministry of Health personnel.</li>
<li>All households must employ water purification methods such as boiling water and the use of aqua tablets.</li>
<li>All church meetings have been suspended and funerals should be supervised by ministry officials.</li>
<li>Food should not be cooked at funerals and the maximum number of people to attend funerals must be 50.</li>
<li>Open markets have been suspended and selling food at undesignated premises is prohibited. Public beer halls have been shut down.</li>
</ul>
In an update on Tuesday, the Ministry of Health said the cholera outbreak had now spread to more than the 17 traditional cholera hotspot districts of Buhera, Chegutu, Chikomba, Chimanimani, Chipinge, Chitungwiza, Chiredzi, Harare, Gokwe North, Marondera, Mazowe, Shamva, Mutare, Murehwa, Mwenezi, Seke, and Wedza.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Health Authorities Ban Food At Funerals In Bikita, Zaka

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on Friday urged Zimbabweans to report funerals to the law enforcement agency in the weeks leading up to the 2023 general elections.
Addressing Harare residents, ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said reporting funerals to the police will ensure that they will not be mistaken for political gatherings. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200009588/report-funerals-or-police-will-storm-them">NewsDay</a> quoted Nyathi as saying:
<blockquote>
If we are at a funeral during elections, it’s better to report to the officer-in-charge and that will be put on record because some neighbours would lie (that there is a political gathering).
There are some people who want to campaign at funerals. Why should you campaign at one’s funeral?
We also expect politicians not to address supporters at people’s homes. If a neighbour complains, we come.
</blockquote>
In Zimbabwe, it is an offence to hold a gathering without police permission.
According to <a href="https://zimfact.org/fact-sheet-zrp-the-law-and-your-right-to-gather-what-the-law-says/">Zimfact</a>, in terms of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA), Chapter 11:23, an organisation planning a demonstration or a march must appoint an official convenor and notify the police seven days before the event.
A notice of five days is required before a public meeting. The convenor must give police details of the event, such as; the contact number of the designated convenor, the venue, times, the purpose of the event, the number of marshals, and the anticipated number of participants.
If the convenor of the gatherings does not give this notice, they can be charged and fined or jailed for up to one year.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200009522/ed-demands-re-run-in-violence-hotspots">Pindula News</a>

Police Say The Public Should Report Funerals During Elections

A man from Mutasa District in Manicaland Province was divorced by his wife during their son’s funeral, a development described as a bad omen by the area’s traditional leadership.
Samuel Dube was handed a divorce token by his wife, Chipo Mapuka during their son, Lazarus Dube’s funeral on Monday last week.
The couple had two children together before Lazarus’ death.
Lazarus, who was waiting for his Grade Seven results, died following an ear infection after he had visited his mother in Odzi.
The boy’s funeral was characterised by the confiscation of the corpse, arguments with in-laws, and demands for lobola, according to Samuel Dube’s brother, Titus Sithole-Dube during an interview with The Manica Post.
Lazarus was buried in Odzi, at her mother’s home after his father failed to raise the funds to ferry the corpse back to Mutasa.
The Dubes were made to pay US$25 and a goat that was to be slaughtered at the funeral by their in-laws before they were allowed to bury Lazarus.
After the goat was slaughtered, Mapuka announced to the gathered mourners that she was divorcing Dube, and then gave him the divorce token. Said Sithole-Dube:
<blockquote>
She took everyone by surprise. As everyone was paying attention to her bombshell, dogs came and stole the meat which had been put in a dish.
Mouths were left agape. We were forced to buy another goat as the in-laws demanded a replacement before Lazarus’ burial.
They said failure to provide another goat would result in us finding an alternative place to bury our child.
</blockquote>
The village head, Toringepi Mapuka, told The Manica Post that it was unheard of in his area for dogs to steal meat at a funeral. He said:
<blockquote>
My thinking is that the late Lazarus was against his burial here. A lot of mishaps were witnessed at his funeral wake.
Maybe, all these were signs that the late Lazarus wanted his body to be repatriated to their Mutasa home.
Yes, they had no money, but they should have done something to ensure that the boy was buried at his father’s rural home.
… He (Dube) was divorced in front of the mourners even though he publicly stated that he still loved his wife.
The wife alleged that he is abusive and neglects his family.
</blockquote>
Dube said he was willing to make things right with his wife because he still loved her. He said:
<blockquote>
I am yet to pay her lobola. Even though she divorced me in public, I still love her.
We still have a child together and if she no longer loves me, then I should have the child’s custody, lest we will lose her in the same manner as Lazarus.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/hubby-divorced-during-sons-funeral/">The Manica Post</a>

Man Divorced During Son's Funeral

Three people died at a funeral on Friday morning in the Igava area of Marondera after they were hit by a car.
They were at the funeral of liberation war hero Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Superintendent Editor Chimimba.
ZRP national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the tragic incident to <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/police-confirm-the-death-of-three-people-at-a-funeral/">ZBC News</a>.
The now-deceased were hit by the car as mourners were preparing to go for burial at the Mashonaland East Provincial Heroes Acre.
One person, a police officer who was a member of the ZRP Band died on the spot while a two-year-old toddler and an elderly woman were seriously injured and later succumbed to their injuries at Marondera Provincial Hospital.
Asst Comm Nyathi said investigations are underway to establish what transpired.

Three People Die At A Funeral In Marondera

The burial of Zim Dancehall chanter Soul Jah Love Soul Musaka is currently underway and the proceeding can be watched on the following live feed:
If the video doesn’t play <a href="https://fb.watch/3MAaWTDxSI/">click on this link</a> to be redirected to Facebook Watch
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="314" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheHeraldZimbabwe%2Fvideos%2F458277135350072%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe>

LIVE: Soul Jah Love's Burial

A Kwekwe Councillor, Future Titora, was on Tuesday blocked by from addressing mourners at a funeral wake by youths belonging to the MDC-Alliance (MDC-A) led by Nelson Chamisa.
MDC Alliance youth chairman Nhamo Zvenyika said Titora, who is Ward 2 Councillor, could not address the mourners because she had become a sellout by defecting to the judicially-created MDC-T despite her election on an MDC Alliance ticket in 2018.
Titora confirmed the development, saying she had to leave the funeral wake after the youths threatened her with unspecified action. She said:
<blockquote>I was attending the funeral of Innocent Mudondo and I was supposed to give a speech in my capacity as a councillor. When I rose to give my speech, Zvevamwe and two other youths grabbed me and told me to sit down as I was not councillor anymore. Zvevamwe went on to give the speech in my place.
I am still a councillor and I am supposed to carry out my duties without any hindrance. They should wait for their time to be elected so that they can do the job.</blockquote>
Titora said she filed a report at Mbizo Police Station.
Reports indicate that in Kwekwe, three councillors have dumped the Chamisa-led MDC-A to join the MDC-T.
Besides Clr Titora, other councillors believed to have crossed the floor are Joshua Tinago and Mercy Ranga.
Meanwhile, Kwekwe mayor Angeline Kasipo has vowed to support Chamisa even though she faces the risk of being recalled by the vengeful judicially-created MDC-T.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/councillor-manhandled-at-funeral-wake/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

MDC-T Councillor Speaks On Funeral Fracas

Zimbabwe’s funeral service sector has urged the government to make policy premiums qualify for tax credit in an effort to increase the uptake of funeral cover by the public. The Zimbabwe Association of Funeral Assurers president Solomon Chikanda said there is need for government to support the uptake of funeral policies.
This comes as the funeral assurance industry continues to grow as total assets went up 14 percent to $70,17 million during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $61,79 million reported in the previous comparable period. According to Chikanda funeral assurance industry members remain determined to structure products that are both affordable and accessible to low-income earners.
 
Said Chikanda:
<blockquote>In an effort to increase the uptake of funeral cover by the public, the industry is kindly proposing to the ministry of Finance… through the Insurance and Pensions Commission (Ipec) that funeral policy premiums be tax deductible or qualify for a tax credit in the hands of the individual taxpayer in the same way that medical aid contributions are treated.</blockquote>

Zimbabwe Association Of Funeral Assurers Urges To Support The Uptake Of Funeral Policies

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is reported to have spent a minimum of $550 000 chartering a private Gulfstream 650 plane from Qatar to allow former first lady Grace Mugabe to travel to her mother’s funeral. According to The Standard, the money was sourced from a businessman who is close to Mnangagwa and has interests in energy, mining and agriculture. The president also donated food items to assist the Mugabes with the funeral. Speaking to The Standard, Zanu PF secretary for legal affairs Paul Mangwana said,
<blockquote>I do not know how much was paid for the plane and I do not even want to know…but do you know that good politics is expensive. that’s all I can say.
Good politics requires us to treat our former leaders with respect and show compassion to them. So whatever price you pay for ensuring that you send the right message to your future generations, that he sacrificed his life to liberate you and you want to show the young kids what it is to love…nothing can pay it back; so you can’t put figures to love, you can’t put figures to the correct decision.</blockquote>
After Mnangagwa’s magnanimous behaviour the Mugabe’s made an about turn and endorsed Mnangagwa as Zimbabwe’s new ruler.  The Mugabe’s also called on critics of Mnangagwa to support him as they had forgiven him. A day before the July 30 harmonised elections, <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/07/29/i-will-not-vote-for-mnangagwa-they-have-tormented-me-mugabe/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Mugabe told a press conference that he was not going to vote for Mnangagwa</a>.  The former president went as far as calling <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/07/29/mnangagwa-is-a-very-good-worker-but-he-is-dishonest-mugabe/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">his successor a hardworking man who cannot be trusted because he is dishonest. </a>
<hr/>
<h3>Related,</h3>
<h3><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/09/09/those-attacking-mnangagwa-need-to-forgive-him-and-move-on-we-have-grace-mugabe/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Those Attacking Mnangagwa Need To Forgive Him And Move On, We Have: Grace Mugabe</a></h3>
<h3><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/09/07/video-grace-and-robert-mugabe-speak-on-relationship-with-ed-at-ambuya-marufus-funeral/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Video: Grace And Robert Mugabe Speak On Relationship With ED At Ambuya Marufu’s Funeral</a></h3>
<h3><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/09/07/mnangagwa-is-now-legitimate-president-mugabe/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Mnangagwa Now A Legitimate President- </a>Mugabe</h3>
<hr/>
More: <a href="https://www.thestandard.co.zw/2018/09/09/heavy-cost-ed-paid-win-back-bitter-mugabe-grace/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Standard</a>

Mnangagwa Paid At Least $550 000 To Hire Plane For Grace Using Private Funds

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is reported to have chartered a private plane for former lady Grace Mugabe after her mother died last week Grace was in Singapore, when her mother, Ambuya Marufu succumbed to an undisclosed ailment. The president hired the plane to spare the former first lady the inconvenience of travelling on commercial flights. A senior official told New Zimbabwe,
<blockquote>The president decided to spare the former first lady the inconvenience of scheduled flights at this difficult moment so a chartered plane was arranged for so she could return home as quickly as possible.</blockquote>
Jealousy Mawarire, the spokesperson for the National Patriotic Front (NPF) who has served as former President Robert Mugabe’s liaison to the media when organising press conference confirmed the matter. Writing on Twitter, Mawarire said,
<blockquote>I want to thank President Mnangagwa and his Presidium for facilitating for the travel of former First Lady Dr Mugabe back home for the funeral of Ambuya Marufu. Such a gesture is very much invaluable and much appreciated. May the Lord keep you, lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.</blockquote>
<h4>Related:</h4>
<h4><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/mnangagwa-mourns-grace-mugabes-mother/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Mnangagwa Mourns Grace Mugabe’s Mother</a></h4>
<h4><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/grace-mugabes-mother-dies/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Grace Mugabe’s Mother </a>Dies</h4>
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/latest-mnangagwa-flies-grace-mugabe-home-from-singapore-for-mothers-funeral/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe</a>

Mnangagwa Hired Private Plane For Grace To Attend Mother's Funeral

Mourners who were gathered at the funeral of MDC-T member only identified as Chibanda, at Shawasha flats in Mbare were reportedly attacked on Saturday night by alleged Zanu-PF Youths. The Zimbabwe Republic Police had to be called to restore order.
 
Gokomere, the MDC-T provincial chairman said:
<blockquote>Yes, it is true. I can confirm that we were attacked by youths as we mourned one of our members who died on Friday. They threw stones at us injuring young Chibanda and another member who had a swollen face.
When the injured went to report the matter at Matapi police station, we were surprised to hear that the two female police officers were being instructed on what to do by the aggressors who admitted that they had beaten the mourners because they were singing MDC-T songs.
I had to go to Mbare Police Station where our report was finally accepted after I had spoken to a Chief Inspector based at the police station.</blockquote>
According to Gorekore, no arrests have been made so far.
More: <a href="http://www.newzimbabwe.com/news-39493-Zanu+PF+youths+invade+funeral,+bash+mourners/news.aspx">New Zimbabwe</a>

Mourners attacked at funeral for singing MDC-T songs

Harare man fumes at the burial of a woman whom he alleges ill-treated his daughter when she tried to elope to her son.  Lameck Makwiramiti says that people at the burial are lying about the woman’s deeds in life as he claims that she was evil.
https://youtu.be/vfsZiq87rec
More: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfsZiq87rec">Youtube</a>

Funeral Latest News

Latest Jobs