Tombstone Stolen From John Chibadura’s Grave

The wife of the late musician John Chibadura has revealed that the family once put up a tombstone at his grave in Chitungwiza, only for it to be stolen by thieves from the Unit L cemetery.

Nelia Chibadura, his widow, shared this during the unveiling of a new tombstone donated by a Good Samaritan on Friday.

Standing alongside her children and close friends, Nelia spoke openly about the struggles her family has faced since losing the iconic musician. She said:

“When John passed, I erected a tombstone in 2000, but it was stolen.

“For years, the grave was left with only the headstone, and I could not replace it.

“We had already lost our home in Chitungwiza to a relative, and I had to move the children to my rural home in Domboshava.

“I became a breadwinner at a very young age, and life was exceedingly difficult.

“Raising the children alone, without support, often felt like a nightmare.”

Nelia said she couldn’t afford to put up another tombstone due to financial constraints. She said:

“We needed someone who could help us give John the dignity he deserved. Today, thanks to Mr Tendai Mbofana of Ngoda Granites, our prayers have been answered.

“Words cannot fully express our appreciation. Mr Mbofana came to our rescue when photos of the grave in disrepair circulated online.

“He could have sold the tombstone for profit, but he chose to give it.

“This act of kindness has transformed our sadness into joy and pride.”

She said Chibadura’s tombstone is more than just a memorial, but it stands as a symbol of the love and memories he left behind.

Nelia also urged the Chitungwiza Municipality to keep maintaining the cemetery, so that everyone buried there can rest in dignity. *iharare*