The remains were exhumed from three graves at a site where workers’ hostels are being built
EnviroPress Reporter
Lithium mining company Bikita Minerals has exhumed the remains of three unknown deceased individuals from an open space behind a canteen close to the new clinic where construction of worker hostels is taking place.
The exhumation was done recently under the supervision of Chief Marozva, whose real name is Ishmael Mudhe.
Exhumations are guided by the Cemeteries Act [Chapter 5:04] which lays down the due process that should be followed.
Bikita Minerals mine manager David Mwanza refused to provide a comment and referred all questions to company spokesperson Collen Nikisi.
“I don’t talk to the press on any of that. We have a spokesperson authorised to do that,” said Mwanza.
On his part, Nikisi said the entire process was guided by the chief and he was the right person to answer questions.
When contacted for comment, Chief Marozva said his only role was to cleanse the place and ensure that tradition was observed throughout the process.
“The remains of three unknown deceased individuals were exhumed and the remains were reburied in another graveyard at the mine. As the local chief, I was there with my team to ensure that our culture and processes were respected throughout the exhumation process.
“I cannot speak on behalf of the mine as to whether they followed the proper legal process before exhuming the remains because that was not my role,” the traditional leader said.
Legal Process
Under law, Bikita Minerals should have notified Bikita Rural District Council (RDC) of its intention to exhume the remains. An advert would be placed in a newspaper under the Cemeteries Act [Chapter 5:04].
Section 38 (4b), and 5 of the Cemeteries Act read:
“With the approval of the Minister, a local authority or a local board established in terms of the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15]; may reverently remove or cause to be removed the human remains, memorials and monuments in any closed cemetery from that cemetery to another cemetery.
“Notice of intention to act in terms of subsection (4) shall be published once a month for three consecutive months in the Gazette and in a newspaper circulating in the area where the closed cemetery is situated and any person may lodge with the Minister a written objection to the proposed action within three months of the first publication of the notice in the Gazette.”
Bikita Rural District Council (RDC) Acting Chief Executive Officer Engineer Arnold Mukute and Ward 30 Councillor Tichaona Badza said they were not aware of the exhumations.
“I am not aware of that. This is the first time hearing that Bikita Minerals exhumed bodies,” said Mukute.
Currently, an individual bought a residential stand in Masvingo’s Zimre Park suburb and a grave was discovered. The individual notified Masvingo City Council. Police and council have since advertised the intention to exhume the remains.
“Notice is hereby given that City of Masvingo … is intending to undertake the removal and relocation of the human remains of an unknown deceased buried in a grave discovered … Any person claiming to have any objections to this intention is hereby required to lodge the same in writing…,” reads part of the exhumation advert.
