Re: Misrepresentation Concerning Fundraising, Care and Representation of the Late Mutumwa Dziva Mawere
This statement is issued in the public interest to correct material misrepresentations contained in the article published by Zimbabwe Now titled “Mawere family warns against unauthorised fundraising messages after Mutumwa’s death”, attributed to the Mawere family and disseminated through the media.
- On the Care and Welfare of the Late Mutumwa Dziva Mawere
It is a matter of verifiable fact that the individuals currently coordinating welfare-related fundraising and logistical matters in respect of the late Mutumwa Dziva Mawere are the same individuals who assumed continuous responsibility for his care from the date he suffered a stroke until the time of his death.
These responsibilities included, but were not limited to:
i. Provision and coordination of daily care;
ii. Oversight of accommodation, feeding and personal supervision;
iii. Engagement with medical and legal processes necessitated by his condition.
Any suggestion that such persons are acting opportunistically or without moral standing is factually incorrect and misleading.
- Judicial Intervention and Court Records
Publicly available court records from the High Court of South Africa, Johannesburg demonstrate that the late Mutumwa Dziva Mawere was, at a critical stage of his illness, confined at a private residence and denied appropriate access to medical intervention.
As a direct consequence:
On 27 March 2025, the Johannesburg High Court issued an order directing that Mutumwa Dziva Mawere be taken to a medical facility.
This order constitutes a judicial finding that intervention was necessary to safeguard his health and wellbeing. Courts do not issue such orders in the absence of compelling evidence. Any public narrative that omits or obscures this fact is incomplete and materially misleading.
- On Claims of Exclusive Family Authority
Assertions that only certain individuals or groups possess exclusive authority over mourning arrangements, memorial processes or public communication are unsupported by conduct during the period of illness.
Those now issuing public warnings were not present, involved or materially supportive during the prolonged period in which Mutumwa Dziva Mawere required care and protection. Their sudden prominence following his death cannot retroactively confer legitimacy, authority or moral standing.
- On the Designation of a Family Spokesperson
It is further necessary, in the interest of accuracy, to place on record that the individual identified as the family spokesperson, Alex Mawere, was a person from whom the late Mutumwa Dziva Mawere had expressly distanced himself during his lifetime.
This distancing arose from repeated instances in which Alex Mawere allegedly:
i. Misrepresented himself using Mutumwa Dziva Mawere’s name;
ii. Engaged in fraudulent conduct affecting third parties;
iii. Created financial and reputational liabilities that Mutumwa Dziva Mawere was later compelled to resolve.
One such instance involved Arnold Mutaviri, currently resident in the United Kingdom, who was allegedly defrauded through misrepresentation associated with Mutumwa Dziva Mawere’s name, resulting in Mutumwa having to make restitution.
These matters are well known to those close to the late Mutumwa Dziva Mawere and render the present portrayal of representation deeply questionable.
- On Public Conduct Following Death
The transformation of a private bereavement into a platform for public dramatization, political signaling or media attention is regrettable and inconsistent with the dignity owed to the deceased.
The late Mutumwa Dziva Mawere was entitled, in both life and death, to:
i. Truthful representation;
ii. Respect for those who cared for him;
iii. Freedom from posthumous exploitation.
- Conclusion
The public is therefore urged to:
i. Treat unauthenticated claims with caution;
ii. Consider the full factual and judicial record;
iii. Respect the role of those who acted responsibly during Mutumwa Dziva Mawere’s illness.
Most importantly, all parties are called upon to cease public theatrics, refrain from misinformation and allow the late Mutumwa Dziva Mawere to rest in peace with dignity.
This statement is issued without prejudice to any rights, remedies or actions that may be pursued in the appropriate fora.
Issued by:
Tichaona Mupasiri (+263732231900)
In the public interest
Date: 17 January 2026
