BY Nyasha Chuma
The corpse of a Nyanga man buried under controversial circumstances earlier this year, by Doves Funeral Services will be exhumed as part of measures to give the deceased a respectful burial, the funeral service provider has said.
This comes as Doves Funeral Services and the family of the late Maxwell Chimwamurombe “have been mutually engaging” turning away from a war of words that had erupted over the matter.
The deceased family had claimed that Doves presented the grieving relatives with an empty coffin for the burial.
The funeral service provider is said to have realized three days after interment that the corpse was still in the mortuary but remained quiet for six months.
Doves in turn accused the family of attempting to extort the funeral service provider by making ludicrous compensation claims — demanding to be bought a brand new SUV motor vehicle and US$123 000.
However, in a joint press statement, Doves and the Chimwamurombe family say they have made peace.
“Both parties have realised that there is need to scientifically establish the truth, regarding the burial of the deceased, and correct any findings of impropriety arising out of the burial process,” the two parties said in the statement.
“The agreed process will entail: (a) Exhumation of the graves concerned, in compliance with the requirements of the law; (b) Identification of any remains recovered, either through DNA tests or other means; and, (c) Re-burial of the deceased, if necessary,” the parties added.
“The parties acknowledge that any allegations circulating in the public domain, remain largely unverified, hence the need to expeditiously engage in approved scientific processes that will bring closure to the family. Parties commit to mutual engagement in the spirit of oneness and co-operate with each other, to ensure that if the allegations are verified, the deceased will be given a decent and respectful burial, in accordance with the traditional norms and practices of the family/community.”
