Online Reporter
Sunday News Reporter
THE family of the late Mutumwa Dziva Mawere has warned the public to be wary of fraudulent schemes circulating on social media in the wake of his passing urging people to ignore malicious attempts to exploit their grief to line fraudsters’ pockets.
The former business tycoon died in South Africa on Thursday.
The family expressed deep appreciation for the overwhelming outpouring of condolences from across the globe but condemned the malicious attempts to exploit their grief for financial gain. In a heartfelt statement, the Mawere family emphasised that death, while a moment of sorrow, also unites people in mourning and reflection.
They highlighted the importance of respecting their privacy during this difficult time and condemned any efforts by individuals seeking to solicit funeral contributions through unofficial channels. The family said they have not initiated any fundraising activities and are distressed by messages circulating online, which claim that mourners can make contributions via the electronic wallet of one Shau Mudekunye on the Paystack platform or through Dr R G Machiri’s Investec Bank Limited account.
“We feel that such level of disrespect especially during a moment like this is not only inhuman but defies the very basic tenets of Ubuntu. We hereby categorically state that as a family, we have not deliberated on the need to fundraise considering the stature of the man we are mourning today,” reads the statement. The family clarified that these individuals are acting independently and without their consent and they strongly condemn such actions.
“The glaring exclusion of any Mawere family member from these messages is not only suspicious but also deeply disturbing.
“These actions expose malicious intent aimed at capitalising on our grief,” the family said.
They urged the public to exercise caution and avoid falling victim to such schemes, which they believe are designed to deceive and defraud unsuspecting members of the community.
The Mawere family also expressed shock over a message circulating just two days after Mr Mawere’s passing, claiming that a memorial service was being organised. They clarified that the family is still in the process of making travel arrangements from Zimbabwe to South Africa, and decisions regarding the funeral and burial are collective matters that require careful planning and respect for family protocols.
“Burial arrangements are not made unilaterally but are a collective responsibility of all close family members. The recent attempts to prematurely organise a memorial service without our involvement show a blatant disregard for our privacy,” they stated.
The family’s primary focus remains on honouring Mr Mawere’s legacy with a dignified burial befitting his stature as a luminary in the business world and beyond. They urged well-wishers and the public to refrain from any actions that could hinder their efforts to give him a proper farewell.
During this painful period, the family has appealed for privacy to mourn their loved one. They reassured the public that any official updates regarding funeral arrangements will be communicated through their designated family spokesperson, Mr Alex Mawere.
“We remain deeply grateful for the support and condolences we have received. Your kindness is a source of comfort during this difficult time,” the family concluded.
The family called on the community to respect their privacy and to remember Mutumwa Dziva Mawere for the impact he made in the lives of many, both locally and globally.
Bongani Ndlovu