Chiadzwa Grave Exhumations: Mundondo on 2,000 Relocations

Chiadzwa Grave Exhumations

CHIADZWA – UPFUMI Hwepasi Kuvatema leader Mathew Mundondo has described his long-running work of exhuming human remains from diamond mining sites in Chiadzwa and Marange as “not ordinary,” citing the intense psychological, physical, and emotional strain involved.

The 34-year-old says he has overseen the exhumation of more than 2,000 graves since 2009 to pave the way for diamond extraction in the rich fields of Chiadzwa and Marange.

Without passion and respect for tradition, Mundondo says, he would have walked away from the demanding role years ago.

Balancing Mining Development and Cultural Traditions

Exhumations in the Marange diamond fields are deeply sensitive, often entrusted to elderly community members due to entrenched African traditional beliefs and taboos surrounding the deceased. However, Mundondo has emerged as one of the few young leaders willing to take on the responsibility. Working alongside various mining companies, he coordinates the relocation of graves from mining concessions to designated reburial sites, ensuring cultural protocols are followed.

Speaking in an interview last week, Mundondo explained that strict procedures guide every exhumation. Cleansing ceremonies, conducted in consultation with traditional leaders, are mandatory to appease ancestral spirits.

“Cleansing is very important. If you do not cleanse the area after exhumation, it can bring misfortune,” he said.

Compensation Disputes and Cultural Tensions

The relocation of graves has at times been complicated by disputes over compensation paid to affected families. Mundondo alleged that disagreements among relatives have occasionally delayed the process. In one case in Tonhorai, work had to be halted for two days after a cobra emerged during excavation, an incident interpreted by local leaders as a spiritual sign of dissatisfaction.

It later emerged, he claimed, that a family elder had allegedly used compensation funds without consulting other relatives. Former diamond firm Mbada Diamonds reportedly paid US$1,500 per grave relocated outside mining zones. Meanwhile, Chinese-owned Jinan Mining is said to have paid US$700 per grave between 2013 and 2015 before reducing the amount to US$300. The company ceased operations in February 2016 following a government directive restructuring diamond mining activities.

“Some family members were greedy and spent the money without informing others. Close relatives were meant to benefit, but the funds were sometimes misused,” Mundondo said.

Ritual Signs and Community Fears

Mundondo also recounted other incidents he believes reflect the spiritual weight of the work.

“At another graveyard, I was attacked by a swarm of bees from nowhere. In our culture, that can be interpreted as a sign that the departed are unhappy,” he said.

Some villagers have also reported hearing mysterious whispering voices at night following exhumations, reinforcing the importance of ritual ceremonies before and after relocation.

Traditional leaders maintain that observing these rites ensures harmony between mining operations and community beliefs.

ZCDC Contract and Restoration Work

Despite the challenges, Mundondo has signed a new contract with the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) to erect tombstones for at least 150 graves at the Chitangazuva reburial site. Heavy rains earlier this year damaged several graves, complicating efforts by families to identify burial plots. ZCDC chief executive Morris Mpofu said respecting local customs remains central to the company’s operations.

“It is important to respect traditional and cultural beliefs in areas where we operate. There is no point in mining if communities are unhappy. Even before full operations begin, the issue of graves is top on our agenda,” Mpofu said.

Chiadzwa assistant headman Shadreck Chipise praised Mundondo for embracing cultural traditions at a young age, describing his role as both rare and commendable. The Chitangazuva reburial site was established after the government halted operations of several private diamond firms, consolidating mining activities under ZCDC oversight. Mundondo is expected to exhume nearly 120 more bodies in the coming weeks as preparations for expanded mining continue in the diamond-rich fields.

Chiadzwa grave exhumations; Mundondo on 2000