Family Dispute Erupts Over Burial Place of Veteran Actor William ‘Gweshegweshe’ Matenga

The burial of veteran actor William “Gweshegweshe” Matenga could be delayed as his family remains divided over whether he should be laid to rest in Buhera or Harare.

The disagreement comes as relatives pursue provincial hero status for the late actor, with some family members favouring Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare while others want him buried at the family cemetery in Buhera.

The 65-year-old actor died on Saturday after succumbing to hypertension, leaving his relatives facing uncertainty over his funeral arrangements.

Also Read: Veteran Gringo Actor William Matenga, Known As Gweshe Gweshe, Dies At 65

Family Divided Over Final Resting Place

The disagreement reportedly emerged during discussions at Matenga’s funeral wake in Zengeza 5, Chitungwiza.

Some relatives believe the actor should be buried at the family cemetery in Buhera, arguing that being granted hero status does not necessarily mean he must be interred in Harare.

They reportedly pointed to other individuals who were accorded hero status but were still buried at their rural homes.

Meanwhile, another section of the family is considering Warren Hills Cemetery, particularly as an application for provincial hero status is being pursued in recognition of Matenga’s contribution to the liberation struggle and his service to the country.

“There was a fierce meeting regarding Gweshegweshe’s choice of burial place, as some family members preferred that his remains be interred at the family cemetery,” an insider familiar with the developments told H-Metro.

The source added that some relatives felt they had a say in deciding where the actor should be buried, with no known instructions from Matenga specifying his preferred resting place.

Provincial Hero Status Application Could Delay Burial

Family spokesperson Peter Chafewa said the application for provincial hero status was still being processed, with the necessary paperwork yet to be completed.

He revealed that the War Veterans Association for Harare Province, where Matenga was also a leader, wanted clarity on his status before the burial could proceed.

“The burial of Gweshegweshe is likely to be postponed since the War Veterans Association for Harare Province, where he was also one of the leaders, wants clarity on his status,” Chafewa said.

He said a team comprising Matenga’s son Kudakwashe, his former wife and other relatives had gone to town to process the documents, but they were still awaiting feedback.

Chafewa expressed hope that the process would be completed in time for the family to give the actor a burial befitting his contribution to the country.

Family Awaits Arrival of Children Based Abroad

The funeral arrangements are also dependent on the arrival of some of Matenga’s children who live outside Zimbabwe.

His son Lawrence, who works in Australia, and another son, Lloyd Matenga, an advocate based in South Africa, are expected to return for the burial.

Kudakwashe, who is studying Information Technology at the University of Zimbabwe, is already in the country and has been assisting his mother with the paperwork.