The Zimbabwe Republic Police issued a press statement on April 9, 2026, addressing disruptive actions by relatives and friends of the late Powell Tichare (29) from Hopely, Harare.
Tichare, a Zimbabwe Republic Police officer, passed away on April 6, 2026, after a long illness—not from police action or a road traffic accident, as alleged.
On April 7, 2026, relatives and friends gathered at Machepa Police Station in Highfield, Harare, demanding the body for burial. The group used a Toyota Hiace vehicle with a coffin placed on top and formed a convoy from Zengez to Machepa.
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Upon reaching Machipisa, "the group blocked Main Street, disrupting the free flow of traffic," according to reports mirroring the ZRP statement. They engaged in "free flow of traffic, singing songs honouring their late colleague" amid the blockage.
The press statement explicitly refutes claims of foul play: "alleged victim Powell Tichare (29) of Hopely, Harare, passed away on 07 April 2026 after a long illness. Did not die as a result of Police Centre action or road traffic incident."
ZRP further stated: "Relatives, friends and workmates of the late Powell Tichare proceeded to Machepa Cemetery where they collected the body for burial at Mabvuku Cemetery."
On the disruptions: "Upon reaching Machipisa, the group blocked Main Street, disrupting the free flow of traffic. They sang songs honouring their late colleague whilst blocking traffic."
"These activities engaged the public including illegal vehicle skidding. The gathering was not linked to any police action or road traffic accident," the statement clarified. ZRP warned: "Gathering was not linked to any police action or road traffic accident in gathering Tichare's body."
Four individuals were arrested following the Highfield protest over the colleague's death, confirming police action against the disorder. The incident highlights tensions around the officer's passing, but ZRP maintains it was due to illness.
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