Family Saga Mars Marimo’s Farewell
By Ronnie Chisamba
Mourning was overshadowed by family divisions after the death of decorated war veteran Wilfred Marimo, 80, on 21 May.
What should have been a unified farewell turned contentious as differences within the Marimo family spilled into the funeral proceedings. A source close to the family, who requested anonymity, said the discord surfaced immediately after news of Marimo’s passing.
The source said two separate funeral wakes were held. Shebba Marimo, the widow, and a small group gathered at one venue, while the majority of the Marimo family assembled at the family homestead in Neshamba, near Marondera, under Chief Svosve.
Shebba attributed the rift to accusations that her husband had bewitched relatives to secure his prosperity. She said the allegations led Wilfred to withdraw from family events.
She added that arrangements at the funeral and burial followed Wilfred’s wishes. She also said most relatives were absent during his illness.
“I stayed with my husband when he was ill. The only person who supported us was my sister-in-law who stays in Westgate,” Shebba said.
According to Shebba, Wilfred distributed his belongings before his death and gave instructions on how his affairs should be handled.
Marimo was buried on 31 June, at the provincial Heroes Acre in Marondera.
