Human Remains Found in Odzi Bush Spark Investigation in Manicaland

MUTARE – Police in Manicaland have launched investigations after suspected human remains were discovered scattered in a bush in Nyachityu Village under Chief Marange in Odzi over the weekend. The grim discovery was made on April 11 at around 4:30 PM by a local villager returning from a funeral.

Acting Manicaland police spokesperson Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident, describing the circumstances under which the remains were found.

“After the burial, the informant was on his way home when he briefly went into the bush… It was during this time that he discovered a bone clad in blue work suit trousers, which he suspected to be a human leg bone,” Chinyoka said.

The informant, identified as 65-year-old Lovemore Ganyaupfu, alerted other mourners who returned to the scene and discovered more skeletal remains scattered across the area.

Police say additional bones, including parts of the upper body, were recovered along with a work suit jacket. A rope hanging from a nearby tree, with what is believed to be a neck bone attached, has raised suspicions about the circumstances surrounding the death.

The area is described as dense bushland and rarely frequented by villagers.

Community leaders say the discovery has shocked residents and may be linked to a local man who went missing late last year. Village head Luke Mulamba said the clothing found at the scene appears to match descriptions previously provided in a missing person report.

“As a community, we are deeply disturbed by this discovery. We suspect the remains could be of one of the local villagers who disappeared towards the end of last year,” Mulamba said.

Police confirmed that a missing person case had been filed and that investigations are now focusing on establishing the identity of the deceased.

Authorities revealed that the missing individual had reportedly shown signs of distress prior to his disappearance, raising the possibility of suicide.

“The deceased had allegedly expressed personal challenges to relatives before going missing,” a police source said.

However, investigators have not ruled out other possibilities, and a full forensic examination is expected to determine the cause of death.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has appealed to members of the public with missing relatives to come forward and assist with identification.

“We urge anyone with a missing family member to report to the nearest police station to aid investigations,” Chinyoka said.

The skeletal remains have since been transported to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination and further forensic analysis. The discovery has left the Nyachityu community on edge, with residents calling for swift investigations and closure for the affected family. As police continue their probe, authorities say more details will be released once identification and forensic processes are complete.

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