A dispute over property ownership led to a heated confrontation in Harare’s Belvedere suburb on Sunday night, following the arrival of the body of Tendai Mugabe, who passed away in Pretoria, South Africa, three months ago. The incident culminated in a tense situation at Milton Police Station.
Tendai Mugabe was found dead in Pretoria on 18 April – Zimbabwe’s independence day. His body was repatriated to Zimbabwe on Sunday night.
Upon the arrival of the body, relatives attempted to take it to a house in Belvedere, claiming it belonged to their father. However, their efforts were met with resistance from Clifford Lycan White, who is currently renting the property.
The situation quickly escalated, leading to police intervention at Milton Police Station. Fidelia Mugabe, a spokesperson for the Mugabe family, told H-Metro that White was renting the entire house for a mere US$120.
“He was using the whole house even though he claimed to be renting only one room and paying just US$120 all the years,” Fidelia Mugabe explained. “We found out that he was using the whole house and he didn’t want anybody in the house. He was given a three-months notice to vacate the house and his last month was May.”
According to the Mugabe family, White had been given notice to vacate the premises, but had allegedly refused to leave. The family further accused White of threatening mourners. “He threatened mourners that he would run them over with his car if they passed the gate and that is why we had to force our way in,” Fidelia Mugabe stated.
In response, White filed a report of trespassing against Dadirai, a member of the Mugabe family, after she allegedly forced her way onto the property. Family members subsequently gathered at Milton Police Station, demanding Dadirai’s release. She was later released.
Tendai Mugabe was laid to rest at Zororo Cemetery along Seke Road in Harare yesterday. The circumstances surrounding his death in South Africa remain unclear.
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