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Simbarashe Mudzivo
The remains of Given Flint Matapure, the three-year-old boy who went missing at the Harare Agricultural Show almost three years ago, have not yet been buried even after a forensic examination by South African pathologists was completed. Harare Central Hospital director of operations Mr Peter Gwata told The Herald yesterday that a few clarifications between the police and the deceased’s parents were still going on before the remains could be claimed for burial.
“The remains are still at our mortuary for over two years now as a few procedures are yet to be completed,” he said.
CID Homicide section spokesperson could not be reached for comment.
Matapure (3) went missing at the Exhibition Park in August 2011 and was found dead three months later in an emotional case that drew public sympathy.
Given, who could have turned six this year, disappeared after he had gone to the show in the company of a maid.
In the past two years, Given’s mother Wengesai Matapure encountered difficulties from the Attorney General’s Office which had delayed handing them DNA test results conducted in South Africa.
The delay in the finalisation of the case has been traumatic and psychologically taxing to the mother and relatives.
Mr Gwata said that a forensic examination was conducted by South African pathologists and positively identified the remains.
“The South African pathologists report confirmed his identity in their forensic examination,” said Mr Gwata.
Forensic medical examination is a top-to-toe examination looking for injuries and taking of samples that may be used as evidence in a police investigation and any subsequent prosecution.
A forensic examination can be time-consuming, but is important for finding answers to complicated crime cases.
Online Reporter