ZRP Slams ‘False’ Condom Claims at Heroes Acre Burial
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has dismissed allegations that its officers confiscated condoms from mourners during the burial of national hero Mpandasekwa Mzheri at the National Heroes Acre.
The claims, first reported by Bulawayo24, have sparked public debate and drawn criticism from rights groups, prompting official denials and calls for accountability.
The alleged incident occurred during the funeral proceedings, where mourners were reportedly subjected to searches by security agents.
Many of those in attendance were ZANU-PF supporters traveling to Mutare for the party’s National People’s Conference.
The searches triggered frustration among attendees, who questioned the necessity of such actions at a solemn event.
“This is a funeral, not a crime scene. What’s wrong with carrying condoms?” one mourner was heard saying.
Another added, “This is ridiculous. Are they implying that we can’t behave ourselves at a funeral?”
Human rights organisations condemned the alleged searches, warning that such actions could undermine public health efforts and infringe on individual privacy.
“We are still waiting for a report from our internal media teams, but if indeed the incident is real, we condemn such rogue elements,” said a spokesperson from the Zimbabwe Aids Network (ZAN).
In response, the ZRP issued a firm denial, stating that no police officers were involved in any such searches.
“The ZRP is not aware of any such searches or incidents that allegedly took place. No ZRP officers or security personnel were involved in any form of such searches at the mentioned event,” the police said in a statement.
Authorities encouraged anyone who claims to have been searched or had condoms confiscated by police officers to come forward and report the matter for proper investigation.
The ZRP also condemned Bulawayo24 for what it described as “unprofessionalism in publishing misleading information and using AI-generated images to tarnish the name of the police services and Government.”
The Ministry of Health and Child Care also distanced itself from the incident. Ministry spokesperson Donald Mujiri stated,
“I am not sure of what actually transpired since I did not attend the burial event.
“As a Ministry, we do not have a policy empowering officials to confiscate condoms from mourners.”
He referred further inquiries to Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora, who was present at the funeral.
The controversy has ignited a broader conversation about the role of state security agencies at public events, the limits of surveillance, and the importance of rights-based policies.
As one Zimbabwean put it, “This is not about condoms, it’s about respect and common sense.”
