A long-standing dispute within the Chiruvo family over headmanship has deepened, with family members accusing Chief Zimuto of favoritism in the selection of the next headman.
The conflict, which has reportedly lasted for more than two years, has divided the family and drawn in traditional leadership. One of the family elders, Jefter Chiruvo, accused Chief Zimuto "Galson Makusha" of turning what should be a family matter into a personal issue.
“The chief has taken the headmanship and land and given it to Jealous Chiruvo, the son of the deceased headman, yet there is an older person in the family who should be considered,” said Jefter Chiruvo.
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According to Jefter, the appointment ignores traditional succession norms and has fueled tensions among relatives who believe the process was unfairly influenced.
However, Chief Zimuto dismissed the allegations, saying he has not yet made any final ruling on the matter. He explained that the Chiruvo family has failed to reach a consensus despite several attempts at mediation through the traditional court.
“I hosted them in my traditional court almost three times, but they continued fighting each other, even in the court,” said Chief Zimuto. “All the allegations of me interfering in their dispute are lies. The judgment has not been passed because they have not agreed on who should be the next headman.”
As the dispute remains unresolved, the Chiruvo family has escalated the matter to the courts in Masvingo, seeking legal intervention to settle the leadership wrangle once and for all
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