Self-Proclaimed Chief Munhumutapa in Court for Und...

Self-Proclaimed Chief Munhumutapa in Court for Undermining President

Munyaradzi Mashiri

Zim Now Court Correspondent

A self-proclaimed traditional leader has been dragged before the courts, accused of undermining the authority of the President and disrupting the established structures of traditional leadership in Zimbabwe.

Timothy Chiminya, of Stoneridge, who claims to be “Chief Munhumutapa” with powers to appoint and dethrone traditional chiefs, appeared before Harare magistrate Isheunesu Matova. He was remanded in custody to January 7, 2025.

The allegations, filed by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, were presented in court by Felix Alexander Chikovo, the Chief Director of the Department of Traditional Leadership Support Services.

According to prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu, Chiminya alleges that he was appointed as "King Munhumutapa" by a spirit medium, a role he claims grants him the authority to install and remove chiefs across Zimbabwe.

In February 2024, Chiminya allegedly visited Chief Seke’s homestead and informed Stanley Chimanike, the legally appointed Chief Seke, that he had been dethroned. Chiminya claimed to have replaced Chimanike with Masimba Rubatika, his purported appointee.

The court heard that between June 11 and October 31, 2024, Chiminya appointed three additional chiefs in violation of the Constitution and the Traditional Leaders Act: Julius Chimbi as Chief Chigegwe in Chirumhanzu, Hama Piki as another chief in Chirumhanzu, a new Chief Nyakunhuwa in Zaka, Masvingo

These unauthorised appointments reportedly caused confusion, undermined established structures, and disrupted traditional leadership governance.

The Constitution of Zimbabwe and the Traditional Leaders Act vest the authority to appoint chiefs solely in the President. Chiminya’s actions allegedly violated these provisions, leading to accusations of ridiculing and undermining the President’s office.

The prosecution argued that by attempting to "fire" and replace legally recognized chiefs, Chiminya created parallel structures that disrespected the country’s laws and disrupted traditional governance systems.

Chiminya’s alleged actions have also placed the National Chiefs’ Council under scrutiny, raising questions about its role in managing disputes and maintaining the integrity of Zimbabwe’s traditional leadership.

The court remanded Chiminya in custody as investigations continue.

The case has sparked widespread debate about the boundaries between spiritual beliefs, traditional authority, and constitutional governance in Zimbabwe.