Kuwadzana – The tragic deaths of three young children in Kuwadzana Extension last week have become embroiled in controversy, with a well-known social media influencer and hairdresser, Josephine Mutongi, at the centre of the storm. Mutongi, who is now being accused of causing confusion and capitalising on the tragedy, has been forced to issue an apology following her involvement in an unsanctioned fundraising event and demonstration.
The bodies of Anenyasha Muzanago (1 year 10 months), Reynold Matsiwe (2), and Anopaishe Muzanago (4) were discovered in the boot of a parked car on Friday afternoon, two days after they were reported missing. As Zimbabweans across the country grapple with the devastating news and seek answers, post-mortem examinations are scheduled to take place today.
Amidst the widespread mourning, several individuals, including Mutongi, have sought to play roles in the aftermath of the tragedy, often without consulting the bereaved families. Mutongi’s actions, in particular, have drawn sharp criticism from the police, who have accused her of exploiting the situation for personal gain.
In a strongly worded statement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) condemned Mutongi and others like her, accusing them of “taking advantage of the Kuwadzana children’s tragedy to commit crime after she mobilised people to send money to accounts she controls.”
Furthermore, police criticised Mutongi for organising a demonstration, which they deemed illegal, to protest against claims of missing body parts from the deceased children. Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the national police spokesperson, issued a stern warning to Mutongi and others attempting to exploit the tragedy.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns criminals who are now taking advantage of the Kuwadzana children’s tragedy to mobilize the public to deposit or send money into Ecocash and InnBucks accounts owned or controlled by Josephine Mutongi, under the guise of assistance to the families, children’s missing body parts protest and holding of an illegal demonstration or gathering,” Comm Nyathi stated.
The police spokesperson also refuted claims that the children’s bodies were missing any parts. “For the record, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has no evidence that one or all of the victims had missing body parts,” he asserted. He further added that the police are coordinating a full post-mortem to be conducted on 6th October 2025 in Harare, and that the results will be made public in consultation with the families.
The families of the victims have also distanced themselves from Mutongi, accusing her of using social media to create confusion among Zimbabweans. “The families of the victims have disowned Josephine Mutongi, who is openly using the social media platforms to create confusion among Zimbabweans,” Comm Nyathi confirmed.
The police have warned anyone or groups who are agitating for disorder or illegal gatherings that the law will definitely take its course without fear or favour. The public should respect the privacy of the grieving families and in the process allow the Police to find out what exactly happened in this sad incident.
Prior to the police statement, Mutongi had organised an unsanctioned march, featuring women dressed in white, from Kuwadzana Extension to the homes of the grieving families. She claimed her intention was to “create a visual tribute to honour the memory of three innocent souls lost”.
Speaking to H-Metro, Mutongi claimed she was unaware of the legal requirements for her actions. “I genuinely didn’t know that we needed police clearance for the march,” Mutongi confessed. “My goal was simply to bring some colour to the mourners, to uplift their spirits during this difficult time.”
Mutongi explained that she had invited contributions of US$1 on her social media platforms, and that some people generously increased their donations, with even those living abroad sending in contributions. However, following concerns over her actions, her Ecocash and Innbucks accounts were closed. At that stage, there was $57 already transferred by well-wishers.
“It was a friend, who works at Econet, who informed me about the closure and the potential legal issues. That’s when I decided to halt the march and attend the funeral individually,” she explained.
Mutongi claims she collected $335, which she says she distributed among the two grieving families in the presence of a secretary from Bethsaida Church. “I sincerely apologize for my actions; my intention was never to disrespect the law or to exploit this tragedy,” she said. “I wanted to honour the lost souls and show support to their families.”
Meanwhile, as the controversy surrounding Mutongi unfolds, mourners continue to gather at the respective homes of the deceased, as the families await the results of the post-mortem examinations. Details surrounding the discovery of the children’s bodies have also emerged.
Anenyasha Muzanago, the youngest of the three, was found wearing a red striped t-shirt and a grey romper. According to reports, his eyes appeared to be popping out, possibly due to extensive heat exposure in the boot of the car. Reynold Matsiwe was wearing a yellow t-shirt, black jean trousers, a blue and red jersey, and light green slippers. Anopaishe Muzanago did not have any visible injuries on his body.
The three children were last seen on Wednesday around 10am and were discovered at around 2pm on Friday, locked in a parked car belonging to Kenneth Damba, 58. The parents of the deceased, Millicent Mutandiro, 29, mother of Anopaishe and Anenyasha, as well as Polite Manenji, 34, were reportedly doing house chores at the same house when their children were playing by the gate at 10am.
After failing to locate them, a neighbour informed them that the children had been spotted playing at a nearby tuckshop. A missing person’s report was filed with the police around 8pm that evening. The first person to discover the children’s bodies was Evans Berejena, 51, a City of Harare male nurse and resident of the same neighbourhood.
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