BUHERA — A traditional hunting expedition turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when the decomposed body of a 71-year-old man, Munaro Machakache, was discovered under a massive rock boulder on Vete Mountain, days after he went missing. By his side were telling signs of his final moments — a rock rabbit caught in a snare, and an empty packet of biscuits.
The incident has left the local community in shock, mourning the unexpected loss of a respected elder and seasoned hunter, affectionately known in the area as Sekuru Machakache.
Munaro left his home early Saturday morning last week, heading out as he had done countless times before — with snares in hand, likely in pursuit of rock rabbits, a common small game in the region. When dusk fell and he had not returned, concern quickly spread through the village. His unexplained absence was unusual, as he was known to be consistent with his hunting trips and always returned before nightfall.
When his nephew and neighbours could not locate him, they escalated the matter to the village head, who immediately took action.
Realising that time was of the essence, the village leadership, along with local headmen, organized an urgent and widespread search operation involving scores of villagers. The entire community, gripped with worry, came together for a weeklong effort to find the man.
“We were very worried,” one of the village heads told reporters. “It was unlike him not to return. He never went missing before. That’s why we summoned everyone to search. We feared something had gone terribly wrong.”The search led them to the upper reaches of Vete Mountain, a rugged, rocky terrain often frequented by hunters. There, in a secluded cave near the peak, they made a devastating discovery.
Tragedy in Buhera: Man Found Dead Under Boulder After Weeklong Search
Trapped beneath a rock boulder, partially concealed near a cave, lay Munaro’s lifeless and decomposed body. It appeared that during the hunt, he may have attempted to reach or retrieve his snared catch — a rock rabbit — when disaster struck. Authorities believe the boulder could have dislodged or shifted, pinning him fatally in place.
Next to his body was the tell-tale sign of his modest provisions: an empty packet of biscuits, likely the only food he had brought with him.“It was such a painful sight,” the village head recalled. “He died doing what he loved, but in such a tragic and lonely way. The rock rabbit was still caught in the snare. It’s heartbreaking.”
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), through Manicaland spokesperson Assistant Inspector Chinyoka, stated that the case is yet to be officially confirmed and recorded, pending a full report from the local authorities and family.
The body has been handed over to the family for burial preparations, although further details on post-mortem examinations remain unclear at this time.Munaro Machakache was a well-known and respected figure in his village — a man who valued tradition, self-reliance, and the simple rhythms of rural life. As an elderly hunter, he was often seen as a custodian of knowledge in his community, regularly mentoring younger men on traditional hunting practices, snares, and bush survival skills.
His sudden death has not only created a void in the family but also symbolises the growing risks elderly members of rural communities face while engaging in laborious and solitary activities.
In Buhera, grief has replaced the initial hope that the man would return home alive. Residents are calling for greater community awareness and support systems, especially for the elderly who still engage in physically demanding traditional practices.
“We need to start accompanying our elders or at least checking on them during these trips,” said one local man. “They should not be left alone, especially in dangerous terrain like the mountains.”
Villagers have been gathering at the Machakache homestead, offering condolences and preparing for the funeral rites, which are expected to draw mourners from surrounding areas.
Though his life ended in tragedy, Munaro Machakache is being remembered with admiration and deep respect — not only as a skilled hunter but also as a man of humility, strength, and unwavering commitment to his traditions.
His story serves as a solemn reminder of the quiet risks that come with rural life and the deep bonds that hold traditional communities together — especially when faced with loss.
