The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned members of the public against the growing practice of parading the bodies of deceased relatives and friends through central business districts and other public places, saying the trend endangers lives and violates the dignity of the dead.
The warning follows an increase in funeral processions, particularly for deceased street vendors, commuter omnibus (kombi) drivers and touts, where mourners carry coffins through busy streets or balance them precariously on the roofs of moving vehicles while engaging in ‘toy-toying’ dangerous stunt driving and other risky antics.
In a statement, police said the conduct poses a serious threat to public safety and will not be tolerated.
“The law will definitely take its course without fear or favour on anyone found to be violating or abusing dead bodies or endangering public safety during funeral processions,” the ZRP said.
Police expressed concern that the increasingly elaborate processions have become a danger not only to mourners but also to motorists and pedestrians using public roads.
According to the ZRP, balancing heavy coffins on the roofs of moving vehicles or allowing mourners to hang out of speeding kombis significantly increases the risk of fatal accidents. The police warned that a sudden stop, sharp turn or loss of control could cause a coffin to fall from a vehicle, resulting in injuries, deaths or the desecration of the deceased.
The force urged mourners to conduct funeral processions in a dignified and orderly manner that respects both the deceased and other road users.
The latest warning comes as authorities intensify efforts to enforce road safety regulations and maintain public order, amid concerns over reckless behaviour during funeral processions in urban centres.
Police appealed to funeral organisers, transport operators and members of the public to comply with the law and prioritise safety, warning that anyone found violating the law will face arrest and prosecution.
