Retreat Farm is in Harare South, the only constituency that Zanu (PF) holds in the capital. Observers say it managed to win and maintain the seat because it doled out land and housing stands to desperate home seekers.
A recent visit to the area, also known as Chinhamo, revealed that more than 100 graves, relatively fresh, have appeared on what used to be a farm graveyard.
Zanu (PF) is allegedly offering free illegal graves to families who cannot afford burial fees. The farm was seized during the 2000 land invasions for housing stands and was shared among card-carrying Zanu (PF) members.
Locals interviewed said relatives of the deceased were not being asked for burial orders or fees.
A family who was struggling to raise money to bury their relative said a Zanu (PF) leader in St Mary’s in Chitungwiza came to their rescue and offered them a free burial place at Retreat Farm.
“This graveyard is benefiting a lot from people who would otherwise have no money to buy council graves or whose departed relatives lack identity particulars. This is meant to give credit to Zanu (PF) as a party that cares for the poor,” said a local man.
Harare City Council spokesperson, Lesley Gwindi, said burial that took place outside council’s cemeteries was illegal.
“I am not sure about whether the area is actually under the City of Harare but we are going to carry out investigations and stop such exercises,” he said.
Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson, Tadius Chibanda, said they were not aware of the illegal burial site and promised to investigate.
“We are going to investigate and find out who is really leading the exercise and take necessary action,” he said. Efforts to get a comment from the Zanu (PF) Harare Province spokesperson, Claudius Chibande or Provincial Chairperson, Amos Midzi, were futile.
Post published in: News