adminRunesu Gwidi Masvingo Correspondent
A row has erupted between two Masvingo families over the vacant Nyajena chieftainship following the death of the substantive chief.
The Zengeya and Ngundu families in Masvingo South are at each other’s throat over the Nyajena chieftaincy that was left vacant after the passing on of Mr Dzingai Zengeya in March last year. The battle between the two families has led villagers in the area to call for the immediate installation of a substantive chief to diffuse the simmering tension that is threatening to spiral out of control.
Acting Chief Nyajena Mr Admore Zengeya, who succeeded his late father, blamed the Ngundu family of sabotaging his father’s projects in the area to discredit him.
“The Ngundu family has been mobilising other Nyajena clan members to boycott any meetings that we call so that they accuse the Zengeya family of gross incompetence.
“The situation now is very tense between the Zengeya and Ngundu families to the extent of making death threats something must be done urgently to resolve the standoff,” said Mr Zengeya. Mr Hwiru Ngundu, however, argued that the acting Chief Nyajena has no locus standi.
He said as the oldest son in the Nyajena clan he should be appointed acting Chief Nyajena in place of Mr Zengeya. He also claims that customarily the baton should pass on to him as it was the Ngundu family’s turn to take over the Nyajena chieftainship. Masvingo District Administrator Mr Roy Hove said the Nyajena chieftaincy will remain vacant until President Mnangagwa appoints a successor in line with provisions of the Traditional Leaders Act.
“The Zengeya family sat down and discussed the matter. They agreed that at the moment (Mr) Admore Zengeya is acting Chief Nyajena while we wait for the President to approve and appoint him officially.
“Yes, it is true that there are some older brothers to him, (Mr Admore Zengeya) but as a Ministry (Local Government) we noted that the said elder brothers were not biological off-springs to the late substantive chief,” Mr Hove said.
I will not be part of their wrangle, but my duty is to ensure that everything is done in accordance with the law. At law, an acting chief rules for a period not exceeding two years. It will then be the prerogative of the President to officially appoint a new Chief.
“So whatever is taking place within the Nyajena clan will not force us into subverting the right procedure of installing chiefs. Our duty is to receive all the reports from the area and make recommendations for approval by the Government.”
Online Reporter