The Zimbabwe Republic Police has issued a formal statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding the Highfield coffin protest incident.
According to police, Paswell Tichare (29) of Hopley died on 5 April 2026 after a long illness at Unit H Shopping Centre in Chitungwiza, dismissing social media claims that his death was caused by a road traffic accident involving a police officer.
Police said the disturbance happened on 7 April 2026, when relatives and associates collected his body for burial at Mbudzi Cemetery.
Authorities say the group placed the coffin on top of a Toyota Hiace and formed a convoy from Zengeza 4 to Machipisa bus terminus, where they reportedly blocked Main Street, disrupted traffic, and performed dangerous vehicle skidding while singing songs in his honour.
The ZRP intervened to restore order and transported the body to Machipisa Police Station, before it was later handed over to a funeral service vehicle so burial proceedings could continue.
Four people — Godwin Mazenge, Michael Zhuwawo, Anna Chere, and Tawanda Mafaranyika — were arrested for disorderly conduct and later paid admission of guilt deposit fines.
