Mass grave in Zimbabwe fuels political propaganda

Only expert forensic anthropologists can establish ages, the sex and causes and dates of death from a complete set of skeletal remains of one individual and therefore “return identity and life experiences” to the dead.

The era of the manufacture of clothing, coins, belt buckles and other items would also be taken into account.

Ms. Eppel said the human remains are being indiscriminately hauled from the Chibondo mine shaft without decency, respect or any regard for traditional African customary beliefs on reverence for the deceased.

“What is happening … is a travesty. Bones speak quietly and in a language only an expert can hear. Let’s not silence them forever, but bring them the help they need to be heard,” she said.

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