Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
A CHILLING courtroom drama unfolded last weekend when the spirit of a Mozambican national, allegedly killed during Zimbabwe’s liberation war, manifested during proceedings and demanded exhumation and repatriation to his homeland.
Identifying itself as Lazarus Mausira, the spirit spoke through an unknown woman, declaring that it had “shivered” for half a century in a wetland grave and could no longer endure the torment.
The extraordinary manifestation occurred during a case brought by the Dangare family, who claim years of misfortune and financial ruin are the result of the restless avenging spirit.
Nyakatsuro Village head, Philemon Nyabadza, confirmed to the court that the Dangare family had reported persistent disturbances linked to Mausira’s spirit. According to Village head Nyabadza, the spirit insisted on addressing Chief Mutasa directly, demanding that his remains be exhumed and returned to Mozambique for proper burial rites.
“The Dangare family came to my home reporting that an avenging spirit was disturbing them. The spirit identified itself as Lazarus, and said he is originally from Mozambique. He is demanding exhumation from the wetlands where he was buried and repatriation to his home. He insisted on being brought before this court to speak directly to the chief,” said Village head Nyabadza.
He said the spirit claimed it was killed during the liberation war after being accused of being a sell-out and buried without dignity in a wetland.
Manifesting through a stranger, the spirit repeatedly claimed the grave site was cold and unbearable, particularly this winter.
Court proceedings turned dramatic when a woman allegedly possessed by the spirit began screaming, made bird-like sounds, and addressed the gathering in what family members described as a different voice.
Identifying himself as Lazarus Mausira, the spirit gave an account of his death and burial.
“My name is Lazarus Mausira. I came from Mozambique. I was killed while trying to buy sugar at a shop during the liberation war after being accused of being a sell-out,” it claimed in court.
The spirit alleged that members of the Dangare family were linked to the incident, saying Luke Dangare’s father sold him out to liberation fighters present at the shop.
“I was handed over after Luke Dangare’s father pointed at me, and said I was an informer. Luke was there – he witnessed everything. I was killed and he was asked to wipe my blood. He was still a young boy then. My body was later taken and dumped in a wetland where I have remained ever since,” it said, stressing that it had suffered for more than 50 years because of the burial site.
“I am cold, my chief. I have been lying in that wetland for more than 50 years. Every winter I suffer. I want to go home. It is winter now and I am cold already,” it said.
The spirit said it sought neither a wife nor material compensation, only exhumation and repatriation to Mozambique.
“I do not want a wife. I do not want anything else. I want my remains taken back home. I am now an old man spiritually, and I want proper appeasement after I am returned to my home,” it said.
While claiming responsibility for misfortunes affecting the Dangare family, it insisted its primary demand was to return to its homeland.
The spirit softened its tone towards Luke, who allegedly witnessed the killing and burial.
“I am not angry with you, Luke. You were there and you know what happened. I just want justice and to go home,” it said.
Luke, now elderly, confirmed that he knew the deceased and the circumstances of his death.
“I know him. I know where he was buried. It happened during the liberation war,” he said.
Chief Mutasa said the matter had moved from speculation to one with known witnesses and known burial site, and could be resolved through legal and traditional procedures.
“This is a sad case that dates back to the liberation war era. However, it is one of the more straightforward matters because the burial site is known and there is confirmation of what happened,” he said, adding that the next step will involve Government structures responsible for exhumations and reburials, particularly where foreign nationals are involved.
“We will work with the District Development Coordinator and relevant ministries. This ensures that the exhumation is done in line with legal and cultural requirements,” he said.
Chief Mutasa warned that those linked to the alleged killing and burial may be required to take part in the appeasement processes.
“The Dangare family must prepare for traditional processes that follow such cases. Once the remains are recovered, the spirit world requires proper resolution,” he said.
The matter was adjourned to allow consultations between traditional leadership and Government departments to determine the formal process of exhumation, identification, and possible repatriation of remains believed to be buried in the wetlands
