Mrs Mugabe has remained within 2 metres of the coffin throughout the whole program at the family’s Blue Roof residence since arrival from Singapore on Wednesday.

A statement by former President Robert Mugabe’s nephew, Patrick Zhuwao reveals that his widow, Grace is under strict instruction to as it were “protect” her husband’s coffin. She has to literally keep it in her sight all the way through to burial.

This may well explain why Mugabe’s body has not slept at One Commando barracks, since arriving in the country as is expected under military tradition.

Mugabe has been the Commander In Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces since independence, 1980.

Although she was not audibly heard communicating so, mourners who visited her said she is refusing to leave him.

Zhuwao issued the statement on the 12th September 2019 and in it he said (full text):

We note with extreme concern the manner with which the government of Zimbabwe has developed a programme for the funeral of the late RGM without consulting his immediate family who were tasked with communicating his last wishes in regard to his funeral and burial.
As his immediate family, we have also observed with shock that the government of Zimbabwe is attempting to coerce us to accept a programme for the funeral and burial of the late RGM which is contrary to his wishes on how he wished to have his mortal remains interred. 

One of the wishes that the late RGM indicated was that his wife, Dr Grace Mugabe, MUST NEVER leave the casket bearing his remains for the duration of the funeral proceedings whilst in Zimbabwe up until his mortal remains have been interred.

To that end, we confirm that Hon Walter Chidakwa may communicate with our position with relevant authorities to ensure that we develop a programme that conforms to the wishes of the late RGM. We have also tasked Hon Patrick Zhuwao to disseminate this statement.”