Fake village heads shamed

Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
CHIEF Mutasa has castigated individuals posing as village heads in his jurisdiction, warning them that undermining the authority of legitimate traditional leaders will not be tolerated.
The chief’s remarks came after Village Head Machingura had reported that Nhamo Chindondondo and Lazarus Nyamunokora were falsely claiming leadership positions, creating confusion among villagers, and disrespecting the office of Headwoman Muredzwa.
Village Head Machingura told the court that he was shocked to learn that Chindondondo was calling for meetings and compiling lists of villagers to receive Pfumvudza inputs, a role exclusively reserved for the substantive village head.
“I was preparing to unveil tombstones in the village when he called me, claiming that he is now the village head. I could not believe it. Chindondondo is going around telling people that I am no longer the village head, and that he is the new village head,” said the village head.
In his defence, Nyamunokora claimed that his authority was conferred by Headman Sanyamandwe.
“The matter is currently before Headman Sanyamandwe’s court. He is the one who appointed me,” Nyamunokora said, attempting to justify his actions.
Chief Mutasa, however, made it unequivocally clear that village head appointments and removals are the sole prerogative of the chief.
“This is the official certificate that states that Village Head Machingura is the substantive village head. As long as this man is alive and this letter has not been cancelled, he is the head of that village, recognised by the Government through me. You are not village heads. In fact, you are impersonating him because he is the real village head. You will be arrested if you continue with this charade,” said Chief Mutasa.
The chief castigated both Chindondondo and Nyamunokora for going around funerals and village gatherings undermining the authority of Headwoman Muredzwa, who oversees a cluster of villages under her jurisdiction.
“I know all about your activities. This man and the headwoman are substantive leaders installed by the Government. You are disrespecting their offices by your actions. Do you think I am not aware that villagers are no longer reporting for meetings because of your antics? Everything you are doing comes back to me, and we know everything,” he said sternly.
Headwoman Muredzwa had informed the court that because of Chindondondo and Nyamunokora’s activities, villagers were ignoring official meetings called by Village Head Machingura and other village heads under her supervision.
“They have been collecting money for traditional rituals, which is supposed to be done only by the substantive village head,” she said.
Chief Mutasa further stressed the importance of respecting women in traditional leadership positions.
“Undermining the headwoman because she is a woman is not acceptable. It is a direct affront to the authority of all village heads under her supervision. Gender does not diminish the legitimacy of leadership. Headwoman Muredzwa and all village heads under her jurisdiction must be respected at all times,” he said.
The chief reminded Chindondondo and Nyamunokora that their actions were, not only illegal, but also a threat to social cohesion and traditional governance.
“You are creating confusion in the community, causing people to disregard legitimate leadership. This will not be tolerated,” said Chief Mutasa.
He warned that impersonating a village head is a criminal offence, and urged the public to report to law enforcement agents any attempts to usurp authority.
“Government recognises substantive village heads through my office. Any person pretending to be a village head without the official certificate is breaking the law and will face the consequences. I want to make it clear: the law will catch up with you,” he said.
Chief Mutasa also reminded all traditional leaders and villagers that accountability and transparency are central to local governance.
“Leadership in our communities is a responsibility, not a privilege. If you are installed as a village head or headwoman, you must perform your duties diligently, honestly, and in accordance with the law. Those who seek to mislead or exploit the people will answer to me and to the authorities,” he said.