The funeral of a Hwedza man has set tongues wagging in the community after he was buried with all his belongings.
The late Bhodi Matanda was buried by the Ministry of Social Welfare.
His wife, Viola Wagonika, 70, and a few relatives attended the funeral service.
Buddhist Viola ordered him to be buried with all of his belongings, which included a bicycle, two radios, a toolbox, a cell phone, and some clothes.
He abandoned Viola for another woman before returning when he became seriously ill.
“Yes, I buried Buddy Matanda here with his beloved bicycle, which he loved more than anything else, as well as two radios, a toolbox, a mobile phone, clothes and blankets.
“During his final days, he would often remind me to make sure he was buried with his beloved bike because he loved it so much.
“Budi Matanda and I have lived as husband and wife for over 20 years.
“I accepted him because he said his wife died and left behind their three children namely Mokoti, Enyas and Melania Matanda.
“Body later said he was ridiculed by his friends for sleeping with a disabled woman like me.
“He also left me and stayed with his girlfriend at Shaka Farm where he contracted HIV.
“My uncle Francis and my grandmother Shaira Wagunika advised me and asked me to let him sleep inside the house.”
Viola said Buddy was a caring husband before he left her. “He was romantic as he used his bike to bring us firewood. I let him sleep on the floor when he came back sick. His lungs were damaged because he drank and smoked.”
Viola has one child who is believed to reside in Chitungwiza, Norton or Rua.
“My challenges are related to food and I need medication for high blood pressure.” h metro
