THE late Zimbabwean businessman, Mutumwa Mawere, will be buried on Monday at Johannesburg’s Fourways Memorial Park, South Africa, following a protracted family legal dispute.
Mawere passed away aged 66 on January 15 following complications from a stroke suffered in 2024.
The burial location was the subject of a legal tug-of-war between his paternal and maternal relatives. The conflict pitted Mawere’s paternal kin against Irene Machiri, representing the maternal side.
Paternal relatives pushed for the businessman’s remains to be repatriated to Zimbabwe. Machiri, however, successfully advocated for a South African burial at the private Fourways facility.
The matter was ultimately settled in the High Court on Thursday, allowing the funeral — initially planned for Friday — to proceed this Monday in Johannesburg.
Zororo-Phumulani, a funeral service provider specialising in high-profile repatriations and burials, is overseeing proceedings.
Chief executive officer Oliver Mufudze said his team was following the family’s lead to ensure the tycoon receives a respectful farewell.
“Our role is to serve the family with dignity, sensitivity, and respect during this difficult time,” Mufudze said.
“We are working closely with the family to ensure that Mr Mawere is laid to rest in a manner that honours his life and fully reflects the wishes of the many lives that were touched by his generosity.”
Mufudze confirmed that logistics teams were currently active to ensure the ceremony aligns with the family’s finalised plans.
Takudzwa Dhambu