Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
HARARE provincial magistrate Mr Tapiwa Kuhudzai has convicted self-proclaimed King Munhumutapa, Mr Timothy Chiminya, on charges of undermining the authority of the President.
Chiminya claimed he was appointed as King Munhumutapa by a spirit medium, granting him the power to install and remove chiefs across the country.
He alleged that he was reinstated as paramount king by the High Court on 30 September 2022 under case number 398/22.
Since then, he has been publicly asserting such kingship, including installing Julius Chimbi Chigegwe as Chief Chirumanzu in March last year.
The State argued that Chiminya’s actions ridiculed the Office of the President by attempting to usurp President Mnangagwa’s executive powers.
Chiminya had previously sued the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works for US$100 000 after it labelled him an imposter.
The historic King Munhumutapa, also known as Mwenemutapa, was the ruler of the ancient Kingdom of Mutapa, which spanned present-day Zimbabwe and parts of Mozambique.
