Grieving Families Face Financial Extortion Over Burials

By Admire Mbonda

Kariba-In a poignant blend of cultural tradition and legal rights, the Law Development Commission (LDC) has taken a firm stand against the alarming practice of relatives demanding cash, property, and valuables from grieving son-in-laws as a condition for the burial of their deceased daughters. This controversial issue was highlighted during a public legal awareness campaign focused on the Marriages Act [Chapter 5:17] in Kariba, where LDC deputy chairperson Rex Shana emphasized that such practices are illegal and deeply harmful to families in mourning.

“The law is clear,” Shana stated. “Relatives cannot extort payment or valuables from the son-in-law in exchange for burying their daughter.” This statement comes at a time when cultural expectations often clash with legal protections, prompting urgent conversations about the rights of individuals navigating these painful circumstances.

Among those grappling with these demands is a family from Kariba who recently faced a distressing ultimatum: sell their house and share the proceeds before permitting the burial of their daughter. “It felt like we were being asked to trade our grief for money,” one family member shared, tears welling in their eyes. “We just wanted to lay her to rest with dignity, not in debt.”

Another family is currently embroiled in a dispute over a demand for US$10,000 from their in-laws. “This is not just about money; it’s about respect and honoring our loved one’s memory,” a son-in-law lamented. “We’re caught in a web of expectations that no one prepared us for during such a tragic time.”

Adding to the discourse, Chief Chundu Abel Abell Mbasera voiced his concerns about the intersection of cultural expectations and legal rights. “While we must respect our traditions, we cannot allow them to become a source of pain and conflict,” he stated. “Demanding payments for burials undermines the very essence of our customs, which should be about love, respect, and remembrance.”

Chief Chundu emphasized that communities need to engage in dialogue about how to honor cultural practices without imposing financial burdens on grieving families. “We must find a balance that respects our heritage while protecting the rights of those left behind,” he urged.

The LDC’s initiative aims to educate the public about their rights under the Marriages Act, which includes provisions for marriage registration, customary marriages, and the rights of spouses. However, Shana reiterated that the law does not condone financial demands in exchange for burial rights.

“The Deceased Persons Family Maintenance Act and the Estate Duty Act also guide the management of estates, but they do not provide any legal basis for such demands,” Shana explained, stressing the need for families to be informed about their legal protections.

As these discussions continue, the emotional toll on families remains palpable. Many express frustration over how cultural practices can sometimes overshadow compassion and empathy in times of grief. “We need to honor our loved ones without being dragged into financial disputes,” one family member reflected.

The journey towards resolving these deeply rooted issues is fraught with challenges, but with ongoing dialogue and legal clarity, there is hope for a future where grief is met with understanding rather than financial demands