14/10/2025
The arrest of social media personality Josephine Mutongi has brought a sharp new focus to the tragic deaths of three children discovered in the trunk of a car in Kuwadzana Extension. Instead of highlighting her social advocacy, the current narrative centers on the controversial actions she took following the tragedy, which are now the subject of a formal police investigation.
Mutongi, who initially gained significant attention and public visibility in the wake of the devastating loss, had taken a leading role in organizing public mourning efforts. She called for a widely publicized solidarity march, urging attendees to wear white as a gesture of respect.
However, it was her conduct surrounding the financial aspects of the funerals that quickly turned public sentiment and drew the attention of authorities. During the emotional services, Mutongi allegedly initiated the collection of cash donations from sympathetic mourners. Crucially, these collections reportedly occurred without the prior knowledge or explicit approval of the grieving families directly affected by the tragedy.
The situation escalated when she later used her social media platform to broadcast a video. In the footage, Mutongi claimed to be in the process of handing over the collected funds, ostensibly to demonstrate transparency. Despite this public effort, the damage to her reputation was significant, resulting in a fierce public backlash that questioned her motives and stewardship of the donations.
In the face of mounting criticism and before her arrest, Mutongi had posted an apology on her social media platforms, expressing regret for her conduct and the controversy she caused. Nevertheless, the formal investigation into the handling of the Kuwadzana funeral money is proceeding, shifting her status from a public mobilizer to a subject of police inquiry.
