Brighton Muronzereyi
muronzereyib@dailynews.co.zw
POLICE have stepped up investigations in a case in which suspected human remains were found at business premises in Harare, that were once occupied by a safari company.
This comes after Better Brands Jewellery (BBJ), owned by gold dealer Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya, reported to the law enforcement agents the discovery of bones — yet to be ascertained if they are human or animal remains — during the sprucing up of the premises before its occupancy.
BBJ recently acquired the premises and are yet to move in.
Police national spokesman, Paul Nyathi, yesterday revealed that the law enforcement agents were keen to interview the owners of the safari company to establish the facts.
The company — Afrihype Nyakatsanga Safari — has recently relocated to neighbouring South Africa.
“With regards to suspected human or animal remains found at number 78 Churchill Road, Alexandra Park, Harare, be advised that police are aware that the premises were recently acquired from Afrihype Nyakatsanga Safari by Better Brands Company.
“It is during renovations and tree uprooting through an excavator by an entity contracted by Better Brands that the remains were found on 5 August 2024.
“The police are now seeking to interview the safari company on the development and for DNA results to ascertain the nature of the remains. A caretaker who has been at the premises since 2012 has also been interviewed by the police,” Nyathi told the Daily News.
“Police records show that Better Brands is yet to occupy the offices. It is also a fact that the Safari Company recently moved base to South Africa,” Nyathi added.
As part of investigations, the police have since taken bone samples from the premises and referred them to their forensic laboratory for DNA analysis.
Nyathi cautioned citizens against abusing social media, warning that those who were bent on misleading the public on this case, would be dealt with.
“The police caution the public against rushing to make conclusions or to cause confusion when facts on the ground are clear and police inquiries are in progress.
“The public is warned against peddling false information on social media. Where evidence is established on those abusing social media, the law will definitely take its course,” Nyathi added.
Social media was last week awash with reports linking BBJ to the remains and implying it had something to do with them.
BBJ is the country’s largest gold buying firm and has in recent years delivered massive hauls to the government.