MYSTERY surrounds the fate of the late Chiedza Brown’s ashes, which were supposed to be repatriated to Zimbabwe for burial in Mberengwa after her body was cremated.
BY PROBLEM MASAU
Chiedza committed suicide in Texas, United States, on September 12.
A close family member who spoke to NewsDay yesterday said the family members in the country were fast losing hope that the ashes would be repatriated as planned.
The ashes were supposed to have been flown into the country about a month and half ago, said the family member.
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“The Brown family was supposed to take a leading role in bringing the body of Chiedza, but the Maraire family saw it fit to cremate it in the United States,” the insider said.
“We reluctantly agreed because it was cheap but up to now, they have not brought the ashes home.”
She said the family was now hoping the ashes would be brought home when the Maraires in the US return home for the festive holiday in December.
“I heard they are coming here for the holidays. Maybe that is when they plan to bring the ashes for burial,” she said.
Andy Brown’s sister, Queen Mashie, yesterday said she no longer wanted to discuss the issue.
“We can talk about everything, but not the Chiedza issue,” she said.
Chiedza, a blossoming teenage mbira player, was living in Texas with her aunt, Tawona Maraire, when she took her own life at the tender age of 15.
The family only released a statement announcing Chiedza’s death and has remained tight-lipped over the circumstances surrounding the suicide soon after tragic news broke.
Chiedza was the daughter of the late great musicians Andy Brown and Chiwoniso Maraire and sister of Ammara and Chengeto.