Coffin Protest Rocks Highfield as Family Challenges Police Account of Relative’s Death
HARARE – A dramatic and emotionally charged protest unfolded in Highfield, Harare, as family members and associates of the late Paswell Tichare carried his coffin into Machipisa Police Station, accusing police of culpability in his death. The incident, which occurred on 7 April 2026, saw a large procession disrupt traffic and draw significant public attention, highlighting deep-seated tensions between communities and law enforcement in Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), however, has vehemently refuted these claims, stating that 29-year-old Paswell Tichare, from Hopley, Harare, died on 5 April 2026 at Unit H Shopping Centre in Chitungwiza after a prolonged illness. According to ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, Tichare’s death was not a result of any police action or a road traffic incident involving a police officer, directly contradicting the family’s assertions.
The Day of Disruption: A Coffin on the Streets
The protest began on 7 April 2026, around 16:30 hours, when relatives, friends, and associates gathered to collect Tichare’s body for burial at Mbudzi Cemetery. The group, reportedly including touts, placed the coffin on top of a Toyota Hiace vehicle and formed a convoy that proceeded from Zengeza 4 to Machipisa. The procession quickly escalated into a disorderly demonstration upon reaching Machipisa.
Commissioner Nyathi detailed the chaotic scene: “Upon reaching Machipisa, the group blocked Main Street, disrupted the free flow of traffic, sang songs honouring their late colleague’s touting activities and engaged in reckless conduct, including vehicle skidding. The gathering was not linked to any police action or road traffic accident in Paswell Tichare’s death.” This statement underscores the police’s position that the protest was based on false pretences and was primarily a disruptive act rather than a legitimate grievance against the force.
Police Intervention and Arrests
As the situation intensified, police intervened to restore order and ensure public safety. Commissioner Nyathi explained the police’s actions: “Police acted swiftly to restore order and ensure the safety of other road users by taking the body to the Police station and subsequent handover to a funeral parlour vehicle. The coffin was subsequently removed from the Toyota Hiace and transferred into the funeral service vehicle for the continuation of burial proceedings.”
At Machipisa police station.
Relatives of the deceased person have dumped the body of the deceased person at Machipisa protesting against a mber of the police force who broke the window screen of a moving vehicle causing the an accident that led to the death of this individual pic.twitter.com/y5UYSeMIKD— COZWVA (@cozwva) April 8, 2026
Following the intervention, four individuals were arrested for disorderly conduct: Godwin Mazenge, Michael Zhuwawo (30), Anna Chere (27), and Tawanda Mafaranyika (27). All four were later released after paying admission-of-guilt fines. This swift legal action by the ZRP signals their firm stance against public disturbances, particularly those that impede traffic and public order.
A Broader Context: Coffin Protests and Police Scrutiny in Zimbabwe
The Highfield incident is not an isolated event in Zimbabwe, where public demonstrations involving coffins have historically been used to protest perceived injustices or state actions. Such protests often draw significant attention and can quickly escalate, reflecting deep public frustrations. For instance, a similar incident occurred in Epworth on 15 January 2019, where protesters carried the coffin of a police shooting victim, highlighting ongoing concerns about police conduct. The Zimbabwe Republic Police has previously expressed concern over such coffin parades, warning that those who disrupt traffic will face the full wrath of the law.
Human rights organisations have consistently raised concerns about police conduct in Zimbabwe. Reports from organisations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch detail instances of alleged police brutality, excessive force against protesters, and arbitrary arrests. For example, Amnesty International reported a brutal attack on a constitutional lawyer and political activists in March 2026. Human Rights Watch also highlighted the use of excessive force against protesters in 2019 and ongoing violence and intimidation against government opponents in March 2026. These reports paint a picture of a challenging environment where public trust in law enforcement can be fragile, making incidents like the Highfield coffin protest particularly resonant.
The Official Narrative vs. Public Perception
The ZRP’s swift and unequivocal denial of involvement in Paswell Tichare’s death, coupled with their explanation of his demise due to a long illness, stands in stark contrast to the family’s accusations. This disparity highlights a recurring issue in Zimbabwe: the gap between official accounts and public perception, often fuelled by social media. Commissioner Nyathi’s call for the public to “desist from spreading unverified information on social media, as this may cause unnecessary alarm and confusion” directly addresses this challenge. However, in an era of widespread social media use, information, verified or not, spreads rapidly, shaping public opinion and sometimes leading to spontaneous protests.
The incident also brings to the fore the contentious relationship between law enforcement and informal sector workers, such as touts. The police statement explicitly mentions the group singing songs honouring their late colleague’s touting activities, suggesting a collective identity and a sense of grievance among this demographic. Previous reports indicate that police have launched operations against touts, with arrests made for harassment of commuters. This ongoing tension between police and touts could be a contributing factor to the rapid escalation of such protests, as seen in Highfield.
Calls for Accountability and Transparency
The Highfield coffin protest, regardless of the veracity of the family’s claims, serves as a potent symbol of public demand for accountability and transparency from state institutions. In a country where human rights violations, including those involving law enforcement, are frequently reported, such incidents resonate deeply within communities. The ZRP’s quick action in arresting and fining individuals for disorderly conduct, while legally justifiable, may not fully address the underlying issues of public mistrust and perceived injustice.
For a society to function effectively, there must be a strong sense of trust between its citizens and the institutions meant to protect them. When incidents like the Highfield protest occur, they erode this trust, leading to further polarisation and potential unrest. The ZRP’s efforts to clarify the circumstances of Paswell Tichare’s death are crucial, but equally important is a commitment to transparent investigations and open dialogue with communities to rebuild confidence.
The Path Forward: Dialogue and Reform
The events in Highfield underscore the urgent need for continued dialogue between the police and the communities they serve. Beyond issuing press statements, proactive engagement, community policing initiatives, and transparent internal investigations into allegations of misconduct could help bridge the trust deficit. Addressing the root causes of public discontent, whether they stem from economic hardship, social injustice, or perceived abuses of power, is essential for preventing similar incidents in the future.
The case of Paswell Tichare and the subsequent coffin protest at Machipisa Police Station is a complex tapestry of grief, accusation, official denial, and public outcry. It is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between maintaining law and order and upholding the rights and dignity of citizens. As Zimbabwe continues to navigate its socio-political landscape, the lessons from Highfield must inform efforts towards fostering a more just, accountable, and peaceful society.