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Arron Nyamayaro
A FAMILY was blocked from burying its loved one at an illegal cemetery along Seke Road yesterday.
There is now concern that the man who has been running this cemetery, John Rukodzi, could resort to conducting night burials.
The cemetery has been a source of controversy, which has spilled into court.
The family had engaged a funeral parlour, which pitched a tent at the site, before the police intervened.
Rukodzi recently appeared in court for illegally operating the cemetery, located next to Zororo Cemetery, and was released on free bail.
People familiar with the site expressed concern that Rukodzi, who they claim appears to be motivated by money, might resort to conducting night burials due to the police’s inaction.
“Rukodzi wacho anenharo,” said a person, who was at the scene when the police pounced.
“Police irikugara yakaparinda asi iye arikutora mari chete.
“He might end up conducting night burials.”
The cemetery has 46 graves, including five that were dug and left open with shovels inside.
Rukodzi recently appeared in court on allegations of selling more than 50 graves at US$80 each on State land using burial orders and issuing receipts in the name of a legitimate cemetery company, Zororo Memorial Park.
It was established he has other pending cases before the courts and reports made to police.
Rukodzi (49), the owner of the fake Rukodzi Perish Cemetery, a few metres away from Zororo Memorial Park along Seke Road, was arrested recently on fraud charges.
He appeared before a Harare Magistrate recently and was remanded out of custody to October 12.
Sources close to investigations said Rukodzi once applied for land from Harare City Council near Zororo Cemetery, but then, without approval, moved into the nearby State land where he was doing his shady dealings.
He was also being investigated for other cases of fraud using the same method of operation.
Bongani Ndlovu
Mathew Masinge