Chief Bota Allegedly Assaulted After Funeral Dispute Over Burial Fees

By Southerton Business Times Reporter | Masvingo

Chief Bota of Zaka, born Tafirenyika Bwazvo, was allegedly assaulted by mourners after a confrontation at a funeral wake where he is accused of demanding US$120 to authorise a burial, blocking access to the homestead, and insulting mourners.

The incident occurred on the evening of 28 July 2026 at the funeral wake of Lawrence Chitende, whose body was expected to arrive from South Africa the following day for burial. According to accounts from mourners cited by TellZim News, the traditional leader arrived at the family homestead allegedly intoxicated and immediately demanded payment before burial preparations could continue.

Witnesses claimed Chief Bota initially requested US$20 as a notification fee, arguing that the bereaved family should have informed him of the death in accordance with local custom. After the family reportedly paid the amount, he allegedly demanded an additional US$100 to permit the burial in the family's private cemetery located near the homestead. According to those present, the chief allegedly warned that failure to pay would force the family to bury their relative at a distant community cemetery. One villager alleged that the family had already paid US$30 in 2025 to establish the same cemetery following the death of the deceased's sister and believed no further payment was required.

Witnesses further alleged that Chief Bota blocked the road leading to the homestead, preventing mourners from accessing the funeral. An audio recording that has since circulated widely on social media purportedly captures a voice identified as the chief accusing several women attending the funeral of witchcraft while using offensive language.

He is also alleged to have ordered mourners to stop singing and drumming, despite the deceased being a member of the Zion Christian Church, whose funeral services traditionally include singing and drums. The allegations reportedly angered mourners, who allegedly assaulted the chief before his wife intervened and removed him from the scene.

Contacted for comment, Chief Bota confirmed that he had been assaulted but rejected the version of events presented by witnesses. He said the deceased was his maternal uncle and argued that family members should have informed him personally before funeral arrangements commenced.

"The deceased is my mother's brother. They did not tell me about the funeral as required by tradition," he said.

Chief Bota said he requested a US$20 fine to acknowledge what he considered a breach of custom but later declined to accept the money when it was delivered through an intermediary.

He denied demanding US$100, denied insulting mourners and dismissed claims that he blocked the road.

According to the chief, seven people whom he described as outsiders from Bikita and other areas later came to his homestead and assaulted him. He also claimed the circulating audio recording had been manipulated.

"I never scolded anyone or used vulgar language. They want to tarnish my image because some people are after my chieftaincy," he said.

Chief Bota has previously attracted public criticism over his conduct. Residents have in the past complained about his alleged behaviour, while he reportedly caused a disturbance at a Zaka Rural District Council full council meeting after demanding that the local authority grade the road leading to his homestead. The latest incident also recalls a similar case in June 2023 when Ephias Munodawafa, commonly known as Chief Murinye, and three police officers were assaulted by villagers after attempting to stop a burial at a site regarded as sacred under local customs. As no police statement had been issued at the time of publication, Southerton Business Times could not independently verify all allegations made by either side.

Chief Bota funeral dispute