By Dex
1'
HARARE — The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned members of the public against parading the bodies of deceased relatives and friends in central business districts and other public places as a way of honouring their former vending, touting or kombi-related activities.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over funeral processions in which coffins are allegedly paraded through public areas in a manner that may compromise public safety and dignity.
According to the police, some coffins have reportedly been placed precariously on top of moving vehicles during such processions, creating serious risks to motorists, pedestrians and other road users.
The ZRP said the practice of “toy-toying” with bodies or parading coffins in public spaces to celebrate or recognise the deceased person's activities during their lifetime could endanger public safety and may also constitute an abuse of human remains.
“Some of the coffins will be paraded whilst hanging precariously on top of vehicles. This endangers public safety,” the police warned.
The police urged members of the public to respect the dignity of the deceased and conduct funeral processions in a manner that does not endanger other people or disrupt public order.
The ZRP further warned that the law would take its course against anyone found violating the law or abusing dead bodies, regardless of their social status or the circumstances surrounding the funeral.
“The law will definitely take its course without fear or favour on anyone found to be violating or abusing dead bodies,” the police said.
The warning is expected to serve as a reminder that while communities may seek to celebrate the lives and legacies of their deceased loved ones in unique ways, such practices must remain within the confines of the law and public safety requirements.
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