The parents of Given Flint Matapure, the three-year-old child who went missing four months ago, yesterday positively identified the clothes found at the scene where remains of a child were discovered at the Harare Showgrounds, as those of their child.
The remains of a child, including a skull and ribs, were found within the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS) grounds where Given went missing during the Harare Agricultural Show in August.
Onward Matapure, Given’s father, confirmed the belt and trousers found together with the remains belonged to his son, but said the family had appointed a spokesperson to comment on the case until it was finalised.
“I went and identified the clothes, but you can now talk to Mike (his brother) who is the family spokesperson until everything is finalised. He will tell you everything.”
Mike said: “The clothes were identified, but for now I can’t give you anything because it’s still premature. Call the police or call me tomorrow (today) then I will give you what you want.”
Police, however, said only forensic tests could provide positive confirmation the remains were those of the Matapure child.
Police spokesperson, Inspector James Sabau, confirmed the parents identified the clothes, but said that alone could not conclusively confirm the remains were Given’s.
“They identified the clothes and said the clothes were the same, but that’s not conclusive to say it’s him. We want tests and forensic examinations to determine because that (clothes) on its own is not enough.
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“We cannot give a timeframe for the examinations because our experts are working on that,” Sabau said.
NewsDay visited the Matapure home twice yesterday and found only children and the maid present. The parents spent most of the day shuttling between Parirenyatwa Hospital where the remains were taken and Milton Park Police Station where the case is being handled.
Given’s mysterious disappearance sparked a national outcry prompting several organisations to campaign for more intense investigations into his whereabouts.
NewsDay joined in the search by launching a regular column, NewsDay Cares where the public were encouraged to pass on any helpful information to assist the family, which had offered a $2 000 reward for information which could lead to his return.
