By Takudzwa Changadeya
Harare – Police have arrested four individuals suspected of desecrating nearly 380 graves over a decade-long operation at a cemetery in Rainham, Harare.
The suspects: Edwin Muronzi, alleged to be the mastermind, along with Tinashe Chiguma (32), Moses Gwanya (19), and Kudakwashe Humure (21)—face charges of grave desecration and fraudulently reselling burial plots.
This shocking scheme came to light on December 4, 2024, when Chiguma filed a bizarre report with the police.
“He reported that he had been experiencing visions of dead people asking about their relatives,” revealed Police National Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi in a statement.
Upon investigating, authorities uncovered a gruesome and well-coordinated operation.
The suspects allegedly desecrated graves, removed skeletal remains, and disposed of them in trenches or nearby dams.
The emptied graves were then altered and resold to grieving families seeking burial plots.
“In the process, they would come across human skeletal remains, which they packed in empty cement bags and discarded in a trench or dam behind the cemetery,” said Nyathi.
The ZRP Forensic Science Unit is now working to identify the tampered graves and trace the rightful families of the displaced remains.
Meanwhile, police are searching for three additional suspects linked to the case, known only as Kevy, Shumba, and Dread.
Police Commissioner Nyathi called on the public to assist with the investigation.
“Anyone with information should contact the National Complaints Desk or report to the nearest police station,” he appealed.
This harrowing discovery has left the community in shock, sparking outrage and raising concerns about the security and sanctity of burial grounds in the area.
As investigations continue, the full extent of the operation’s impact remains uncertain.
