Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
Police in Mashonaland East have recovered human remains believed to be those of Tanaka Time, who went missing in Beatrice recently.
The remains were discovered by a Beatrice resident. Indications are that parts of Time’s body were burnt by a veld fire which ravaged the place.
Reports are that her husband, who had previously reported his wife missing, was called and positively identified her.
Provincial police spokesperson for Mashonaland East, Inspector Simon Chazovachiyi, confirmed the incident in a statement.
“On August 26 2025, at around 7 am, Teclar Rukwapuro (46) was walking along a dust road on her way to Rocklands farm, Beatrice, to fetch firewood when she saw a body lying face upwards in the bush,” he said.
“She went closer and observed that the body was burnt by veldfire. On the same day, at around 10 am, she reported the matter at ZRP Beatrice. ZRP Beatrice attended the scene.
“The bush area covering the scene was burnt by veld fire. The deceased’s body was seen lying facing upwards, with body parts burnt. The now deceased had a partially burnt red T-shirt around her neck, a burnt shower cap covering her face and a cloth which appears to have been shoved into her mouth.
“A pair of the now deceased’s partially burnt black sandals were found a few metres from the body. The now deceased’s partially burnt Samsung A5 cellphone was also found near the body.”
Inspector Chazovachiyi said investigations established that Time was reported missing on August 20, 2025, by her husband Tom Jacob (30) of Rocklands New Stands.
“It is said she went missing from their place of residence on August 18 2025, at about 12 pm,” he said.
“Tom was summoned to the scene and he positively identified the body of the now deceased as that of Tanaka Time, who was his wife.
“The deceased’s body was taken to Chitungwiza Hospital mortuary, where it’s awaiting post-mortem. Investigations are in progress.”
