adminArron Nyamayaro
THE grieving Dzvairo family boycotted the burial of former Warriors’ team manager, Charles “Mafripa” Dzvairo, at Glen Forest Memorial Park yesterday.
The family, led by Reverend Hatifare Munongi, the aunt of the late Mafripa, also skipped the funeral wake at his Mandara home.
They demanded that his widow, Emily, first withdraws a peace order granted by the Harare Civil Court in her favour.
Emily was granted a peace order against Rev Munongi following accusations of harassment and witchcraft.
Mafripa’s first born and daughter, Danai (24) led the burial, with her siblings, mother and maternal close relatives.
Football coaches, fans and administrators also attended the burial.
Danai wept as she eulogised her father in her graveside speech.
“I would like to thank you all for helping us to bury my father today (yesterday),” said Danai.
“My father was a loving parent. I was in his heart and he became my friend as I grew up.
“He fell sick and was now losing his memory, but he never forgot me during all the years he was sick.
“We have lost a father, my friend and a loving man,” she said.
Mafripa’s close friend, Cain Muzuva, described Dzvairo as a loving and hard-working man.
“Dzvairo was my friend, although he was a staunch CAPS United supporter while I support the Glamour Boys,” said Muzuva.
“At times, we would exchange words when our teams played, but that did not separate us.
“Dzvairo was a team builder, counsellor and a motivator.
“He was loving and a hard worker, and I learnt a lot from him.”
Some mourners questioned the absence of the Dzvairo family from the burial.
“Saka havachazoda kuwona guva remwana wavo here?
“Asi vadaro nekuti vakamubereka vakafa vose here?
“Saka Rev Munongi varamba vakaomesa mwoyo wavo zvekutodaro?
“Inga zvinonzi wafa wanaka wani?” some were heard saying as the grave was being filled up.
The Dzvairos and Mukwesha family, where Mafripa’s mother hails from, convened a meeting chaired by Rev Munongi at the house of Mafripa’s cousin, Wellington Dzvairo, in Letombo Park.
The meeting was also attended by Mafripa’s sister, Tsitsi Dzvairo, who is based in South Africa.
Wellington confirmed the meeting, but said the agenda and outcome were not for media consumption.
“We are meeting as family and we do not need media coverage, I am sorry about that,” he said while closing the gate.
However, reports claim Emily stashed all Mafripa’s clothes into his coffin, presumably to avoid their distribution, according to custom.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter