ROBERT MUGABE’S REMAINS SET TO BE GIVEN A HEROIC RE-INTERNMENT

A chief in Zimbabwe has ordered the exhumation and reburial of the former President Robert Mugabe’s remains at the national heroes’ shrine in Harare, in a move likely to rekindle a row over the former president’s final resting place.

Chief Zvimba made the order after accusing the late leader’s wife, Grace Mugabe, of breaking local custom by interring him at his rural home.

Mugabe, who was ousted in a coup that brought Emmerson Mnangagwa to power in November 2017, was buried at his village of Kutama in 2019 after weeks of dispute with Mnangagwa’s government over his final resting place.

Though much of Mugabe’s 37 years in power were marked by violence, economic mismanagement and corruption, the former guerrilla fighter is still revered as a liberation leader. Many in Zimbabwe see him as a national hero, remembering his role in the war against the white rule.

Zvimba, whose district includes Kutama, said he had received a complaint from a Mugabe clan member over the manner of his interment 

After presiding over a village court last week, Chief Zvimba on Monday issued a ruling that found Grace Mugabe guilty of breaking traditional norms by burying her husband in the courtyard of his home. He also fined her five cows and a goat.

Although the former first lady did not attend the hearing. She is bound to adhere to the traditional ruling and allow for the relocation of his husband's remain to take place.