Online Reporter
Simbarashe Chitsiku and Leot Mafukashe
The community in Nyachityu Village under Chief Marange, Odzi has been left shaken following the discovery of suspected human remains in a bushy area near Mukamba homestead over the weekend.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident, saying the remains were discovered on April 11 at around 4:30pm by 65-year-old Lovemore Ganyaupfu of Mutidzawanda Village, who had attended a funeral in the area.
“After the burial, the informant was on his way home when he briefly went into the bush, about five metres from the footpath, to relieve himself. It was during this time that he discovered a bone clad in blue work suit trousers, which he suspected to be a human leg bone,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Ganyaupfu reportedly quickly alerted other mourners and led them back to the scene, where more remains were discovered. Additional bones were found scattered across the area, along with a work suit jacket. A rope was also seen hanging from a nearby tree, with what is believed to be a neck bone attached to it.
The matter was subsequently reported to ZRP Odzi, who attended the scene and recovered various skeletal remains, including parts of the upper body and smaller bones dispersed in the surrounding bush. The area is described as dense and not commonly used by villagers.
Village head Luke Mulamba said the discovery has left the community in shock and raised suspicions that the remains could belong to a local man who went missing late last year.
“As a community, we are deeply disturbed by this discovery. We suspect the remains could be of one of the local villagers who disappeared towards the end of last year, although we are waiting for confirmation from the authorities,” he said.
Authorities confirmed that a missing person report had been filed, with indications that the clothing found at the scene matches descriptions provided at the time. It has also been established that the missing man had reportedly shown signs of suicidal tendencies, having communicated distress to relatives over an undisclosed issue prior to his disappearance.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said investigations are still in progress and appealed to members of the public for assistance. “We urge anyone who may have a relative who went missing to come forward and assist with identification as investigations and verification processes continue,” he said.
The remains have since been taken to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination.
Mathew Masinge