adminMasvingo Correspondent
Mr Mhumhi Mapfumo, the 13th substantive Chief Zimuto of Masvingo, has died, barely two weeks after his installation following his appointment to the throne.
He died after a short illness aged 94.
He has since been buried at his rural home in Zimuto.
The late Chief Zimuto was appointed chief on July 13 this year leading to his investiture as the 13th substantive Chief Zimuto on July 20.
Masvingo provincial administrator Mr Fungai Mbetsa said Chief Zimuto’s demise was saddening, coming soon after his ascension to the Zimuto chieftainship.
Speaking at his burial last week, Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister Senator Josaya Hungwe said the people of Masvingo and the province at large had lost a repository of knowledge and source of wisdom.
Senator Hungwe said he was saddened that Chief Zimuto passed on soon after his installation as chief for his people.
“It is sad that the chief has passed on before he could implement his vision for his people, which was personified by the desire to see significant improvement in the provision of social services such as roads and other infrastructure and the reduction of poverty,” he said.
“He was also a key proponent of poverty, disease and hunger eradication.
“Chief Zimuto had his people at heart and it was his endeavour to see their standards of living improve through various interventions implemented in partnership with central Government and the local authority together with development partners.”
The country’s law obligates the appointment of an acting Chief Zimuto for the next two years before a new substantive chief for the area is chosen and installed.
Online Reporter