Vusumuzi Dube
Vincent Gono, Day Editor
TENSIONS are reaching boiling point between part of the Mawere and the Machiri families over the funeral arrangements of the late Mutumwa Dziva Mawere, with new attempts to halt the burial that is expected tomorrow at Fourways Memorial Park Cemetery in Johannesburg having been instituted by the Mawere family.
The Mawere family have written to the Machiri family demanding that an autopsy (which they will bear the costs of) be carried out by a forensic pathologist on Monday (tomorrow), which is supposed to be the burial date.
However, the Machiri family maintains that Mr Mawere’s burial is going on tomorrow after a ruling by a South African court.
The ruling flies in the face of the Mawere family’s challenge and are refusing to kowtow to it, insisting that he be buried beside his kin and kith in Mawere Village, Gutu District, Masvingo Province in Zimbabwe.
The death and funeral arrangements of the late business tycoon continues to reveal deep-seated familial rifts with accusations and counter accusations flying thick and fast where allegations of professional misconduct, witchcraft and greed have been traded in the contentious issue surrounding his final resting place.
In a detailed letter, addressed to Dr Rufaro Machiri, Ms Tambudzai Tichagwa Mawere, who is sister to the late businessman, expressed grave concern about the manner in which her brother’s remains are being managed.
She emphasised that the family’s tradition is to bury their loved ones in Zimbabwe, specifically in Mawere Village, Gutu District, Masvingo Province where ancestral roots lie.
“The Mawere Dziva Hove Totem family’s position remains that Mutumwa should be buried at Mawere Village in Zimbabwe. This position is final and beyond any negotiations,” she stated adding that any deviation from this tradition is unacceptable.
Ms Tambudzai’s letter raises alarm over what she describes as “unauthorised” publications circulating on social media, announcing a burial scheduled for January 26, 2026, at Fourways Memorial Park in Johannesburg. She maintains that the deceased’s body should be repatriated to Zimbabwe.
“The burial notice has not been generated by a member of the Mawere Dziva Hove Totem family. The family’s tradition is clear, the deceased shall be repatriated and buried in Zimbabwe.”
She condemned the publication of fundraising appeals for the funeral, saying that the family had not authorised such solicitations.
Ms Tambudzai’s letter also accuses Dr Rufaro Machiri — a medical professional of misconduct and unethical behaviour alleging that he allowed “strangers” and family outsiders, including his mother, Irene Machiri and brother, Gerald Machiri, to make public statements and decisions regarding Mawere’s funeral without consulting the family.
She demands an autopsy to be conducted privately by forensic pathologist Dr Hestelle van Staden, whose services are to be engaged through specific legal channels.
The family has pledged to cover all expenses for the autopsy, emphasising their intention to ensure a dignified and proper investigation into Mawere’s cause of death.
PDF Tambudzai Tichagwa letter to Dr.Rufaro Machiri dated 23 January 2026
Ms Tambudzai also expressed her dissatisfaction with how Mawere’s health was managed prior to his death, alleging that medical professionals allowed Mawere to be “held hostage” by family members and outsiders thereby causing unnecessary suffering.
Contacted for a comment yesterday, Mr Gerald Machiri who is handling the issue told Sunday News that nothing has changed with regards the burial of Mr Mawere at Fourways Memorial Park Cemetery tomorrow.
Regarding the continuation of burial tomorrow he said, “Yes, it is. Some Mawere family members that want to remain anonymous want to participate and have given their unconditional support and love.”
In response to Ms Tambudzai Mawere’s sentiments, he said, “We note that in her foul-mouthed and poorly constructed diatribe, (for a school teacher), she is a disappointment. I pity her students. Tambudzai and her handlers are interested in sekuru MDM’s estate. She incorrectly states and believes that Dr Irene Machiri’s education facilities belonged to the late MDM.
“Sekuru had three children and they are the beneficiaries of his estate. As instructed by Sekuru MDM before his demise, my next task is to ensure that his beneficiaries receive their inheritance.
“His first instruction to me was to ensure his burial in Johannesburg, where he called home,” he said.
He added that Ms Tambudzai Mawere made outrageous, libellous and disgusting accusations and threats.
“I have never met this individual and are bemused by her behaviour. We have since consulted our lawyers. As highlighted by Tambudzai herself.
“Sekuru MDM was very, very close to the Machiri’s and the Mudekunye’s. Why is that? The details are as communicated by the Mawere family,” said Mr Machiri.
Online Reporter