Social commentator Alexander Rusero has criticized the decision by Chief Zvimba to have Robert Mugabe’s body exhumed and reburied at the National Heroes Acre.
Rusero said that he does not believe the traditional court has jurisdiction over the matter.
Chief Zvimba on Monday issued a ruling that found Grace Mugabe guilty of breaking traditional norms by burying her husband in the courtyard of his home.
The former first lady, who did not attend the hearing, was fined five cows and a goat.
Mugabe, who was ousted in a coup that brought Emmerson Mnangagwa to power in November 2017, was buried at his village of Kutama after weeks of dispute with President Mnangagwa’s government over his final resting place.
He says this may be Zanu-PF’s attempt to reclaim Mugabe’s legacy. Rusero says that there have been claims of a knobkerrie, which Mugabe had which is deemed to have carried spiritual powers.
“Remember Zimbabwe is very spiritual,” says Rusero.
“The liberation struggle was also fought hand in glove with spiritual mediums giving guidance,” he adds.
Rusero says it explains the recent unveiling of the statue of Mbuya Nehanda from he first Chimurenga. ZANU-PF burying Mugabe at Heroes Acre would be fit for them to claim his legacy.
“It is not about the wishes of Robert Mugabe,” says Rusero.
Unfortunately, the dead cannot control the living,” Rusero.
According to him, if ZANU-PF wants to impose themselves, the truth is, no one can stop it for now.
Chiefs in Zimbabwe have jurisdiction over their local subjects but it is rare for them to order families to exhume bodies for reburial.
The chief’s order will likely rekindle a row over Mugabe’s final resting place.
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