Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, Online Reporter
BULAWAYO is burying more than just memories. It’s burying bodies at a staggering rate.
A chilling 480 burials were recorded across the city’s cemeteries in the month of June alone, according to the latest statistics released by the Bulawayo City Council (BCC).
From Umvutshwa to West Park, the graveyards are filling fast. The city’s final resting places — Umvutshwa, Luveve Old, Lady Stanley, Luveve Extension, Athlone, Luveve Number 3, West Park and Hyde Park — each played host to sombre ceremonies as caskets went into the ground day after day.
Luveve Extension led the tally with a staggering 249 burials, making it Bulawayo’s busiest cemetery. Umvutshwa followed with 136.
Other cemeteries recorded the following:
• Luveve Old: 74 burials
• Athlone: 6 burials
• West Park: 9 burials
• Luveve Number 3: 4 burials
• Lady Stanley and Hyde Park: 1 burial each
Some of the deceased were not even Bulawayo residents. The city received bodies from across the country including Harare, Gwanda, Matobo, Bubi, Bindura, Mberengwa, Kadoma and Zvishavane, as well as cross-border remains from South Africa, Umzingwane, Umguza and Lupane districts.
While most families opted for traditional burials, five bodies were cremated in May. These included three males and two females.
The spike in burials has raised eyebrows, with some residents questioning whether the death rate is climbing or if Bulawayo is simply becoming a burial hub for Zimbabwe and beyond.
For now, the numbers don’t lie.
June was a month of mourning. 480 times over.
derick.khumalo