cemetery where Hatcliffe residents and those from surrounding plots bury their loved ones.
The plot, which has over 70 graves, is just metres away from Glen Forest Cemetery that is officially recognised as a burial space.

But farm manager Mr Alpha Goodson who many people accuse of turning the farm into a public cemetery said he was under pressure from some senior Zanu-PF officials in Hatcliffe who recommend people for burial.
“I have no choice. Some of the people who second people for burial here are my seniors in the party. We meet at party gatherings and it is difficult for me to resist their demands.

“Some make formal requests and indicate they cannot afford graves at Harare’s official gravesites,” he said.
He defended himself saying when he arrived at the farm in 2000, he found the practice in operation and “simply carried on with business” of the burials.
“We assist people from neighbouring plots. We have the biggest plot in the area. We also assist those from Hatcliffe,” he said.

Farmers in the area have been complaining over developments at the plot alleging that Mr Goodson was turning the plot into a graveyard.

They feared for their health since the burials are not supervised. A visit to the plot yesterday confirmed that indeed a section of the plot had been converted into a cemetery. Fresh graves were seen, indicating that the last burial could have been conducted at the weekend.
Several other people interviewed confirmed burying their relatives at the plot.

“My sister was buried there last month. She left behind this boy (pointing to the boy),” said a woman who was gathering firewood in the area.
A man who did not want to be identified took The Herald to the graveyard.

He said burials were taking place almost daily.
“I see people bringing in their relatives for burial. I do not know whether the cemetery was approved by Goromonzi Rural District Council,” he said.
The graves are covered in tall grass suggesting that no-one attends to the cemetery although there are allegations that people pay US$10 to bury their loved ones. However no receipts are issued.

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