Understanding control over corpse in polygamous marriages in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwean context alludes that control over the dead body of a deceased individual is particularly influenced by several factors including cultural, legal and familial.
In a compelling discussion hosted by Leander Kandiero on Issues Pane Nyaya, he engages with critics to understand who really has the control of a dead body in a polygamous marriage, whether it is the first wife, other wives or the husband’s family.
From the discussion:
Bishop Musa Kays argues that: whoever claims to be in control of the corpse, has some information she was told by the deceased pertaining to burial and future arrangements. However, challenges arise when the husband leaves without clarifying who will have control when he passes away.
Social commentator, Ndumiso Dube had another view that men are no longer capable of declaring polygamous marriages because they fear their wives and families. Also, according to our culture, the body of the deceased goes to the first wife.
Social commentator, Rejoice Nharaunda-Makawa added that the main point of women fighting over a corpse is for ownership of the name and claiming benefits from the marriage.
However, it is argued that men should be open to their wives and families so that when they pass away things will be clear and no arguments will occur. Some of the factors which also contribute to disagreements after a person dies include culture, church and modernization. Therefore, families need to reach a certain agreement on what they believe even if those people are from different backgrounds.
Lessons learnt:
● What you do will follow you to the grave i.e if you are a disorganized person then that is what will also happen when you pass away.
● People should not be afraid to plan ahead for life after death so that people remaining will know what to do in terms of burial and future arrangements.
● Men should always be truthful to either first wife or the families they come from so that no confusion and surprises will come the day he dies such as seeing other wives and children claiming to be his.
The discussion was interesting because that is the reality that mainly occurs in polygamous marriages and complex family dynamics often influence decision-making processes during times of grief.
