ZRP Debunks "Coffin Protest" Viral Reports: Touts Arrested for Highfield Burial Chaos

Commissioner Paul Nyathi

HARARE — The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has moved swiftly to dismiss "misleading" social media reports claiming that an aggrieved family paraded a coffin at Machipisa Police Station in Highfield to protest the death of a relative allegedly killed by a police officer. In a detailed statement released today, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi clarified that the incident was not a protest, but rather a case of extreme public disorder and "reckless conduct" by a group of touts during a funeral procession.

Contrary to viral claims of a fatal road accident involving the force, the deceased—identified as Paswell Tichare (29) of Hopley—passed away on April 5, 2026, at Unit H Shopping Centre in Chitungwiza following a prolonged illness.

“Commissioner Nyathi stressed that Tichare’s death was not caused by any police officer or any traffic incident involving a member of the force,” the statement read.

The disturbance began on Tuesday, April 7, when Tichare’s associates, primarily comprised of rank touts, collected his body for burial at Mbudzi Cemetery. The group reportedly placed the coffin on the roof of a Toyota Hiace (kombi), forming a rowdy convoy from Zengeza 4 to Highfield. Upon arrival at the Machipisa bus terminus, the scene turned chaotic. According to Commissioner Nyathi:

• The group blocked Main Street, completely halting the flow of traffic.

• Touts engaged in reckless vehicle skidding and dangerous maneuvers.

• The crowd sang "songs honouring their late colleague’s touting activities," causing significant public alarm.

To restore order and protect the public, officers intervened, taking the body to the police station for safekeeping before transferring the coffin from the kombi roof into a registered funeral parlour vehicle to allow the burial to proceed with dignity. Four individuals, Godwin Mazenge, Michael Zhuwawo (30), Anna Chere (27), and Tawanda Mafaranyika (27) were arrested at the scene for disorderly conduct. The ZRP confirmed the suspects have since been released after paying admission-of-guilt fines.

Commissioner Nyathi issued a stern warning to those using digital platforms to stir civil unrest through unverified information.

"The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges members of the public to desist from spreading unverified information on social media, as this may cause unnecessary alarm and confusion," Nyathi said. He further cautioned that "touts and relatives who parade coffins while disrupting the smooth flow of traffic will face the full wrath of the law."

Machipisa Police Station coffin