Stampede as Mugabe lies in state, family ‘at war’over burial arrangements

Robert Mugabe’s family say they are shocked at not having been consulted by the government about arrangements for the funeral of the former Zimbabwean president.

Mr Mugabe, who was 95, died last week while undergoing medical treatment in a Singapore hospital.

His body is now lying in state at the Rufaro football stadium in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare.

His family and the government disagree over Mr Mugabe’s final resting place.

Mr Mugabe’s family says his body will be displayed in his home village of Kutama on Sunday night, and will be buried at a private ceremony.

Thousands of mourners are queuing up at Rufaro stadium to pay their respects to Mr Mugabe.

There was a brief stampede as people rushed forward to catch a glimpse of the former leader, Reuters news agency reported.

Trust Nyakabawo told Reuters at the Rufaro stadium: “We are in pain after his death because we were so used to seeing him alive as a father figure that led the country well.”

Rufaro Stadium is where Mr Mugabe was sworn in as Zimbabwe’s first leader in 1980.

“His body will lie in state at Kutama on Sunday night… followed by a private burial – either Monday or Tuesday – no National Heroes’ Acre [the national monument for liberation heroes]. That’s the decision of the whole family,” his nephew Leo Mugabe told the AFP news agency.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa had declared Mr Mugabe a national hero after his death, indicating he should be buried at the national monument.

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