Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Court Correspondent
SELF-PROCLAIMED King Munhumutapa, real name Timothy Chiminya, who was illegally dethroning and appointing chiefs across the country, will spend eight months in jail for undermining the authority of the President.
Presiding Magistrate Mr Tapiwa Kuhudzai, in his sentencing him yesterday, stated that from December 2023 to December 2024, Chiminya was involved in disruptive activities that undermined governance in rural chiefdoms.
He instigated confusion by unilaterally dethroning existing chiefs and installing new ones, claiming that his title and authority was conferred by a spirit medium without authorisation from the President as required by law.
Magistrate Kuhudzai also said despite being found guilty of these actions, he displayed no remorse and even produced a High Court order that was subsequently rescinded.
The court expressed deep concerns about his attitude, which indicated a lack of understanding of the chaos he had caused in these communities.
The court determined that a custodial sentence was necessary and as a result, Chiminya was sentenced to 10 months in prison, with two months suspended on condition of good behaviour, hence he will serve 8 months in total.
Prosecutor Ms Dzidzai Josiah proved that in February last year, Chiminya visited Chief Seke’s homestead in Dema and declared that the chief had been “dethroned.”
He then installed Masimba Rubatika as the new Chief Seke.
Further investigations revealed that between June 11 and October 31 of the same year, Chiminya unlawfully appointed three additional chiefs in Chirumhanzu and Zaka without any legal authority.
These appointments included Julius Chimbi as Chief Chigwegwe, Hama Piki as another chief in Chirumhanzu and Chief Nyakunhuwa in Zaka, Masvingo Province.
Chief Chimanike, the traditional Chief Seke, reported Chiminya’s actions to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works in June, sparking the legal proceedings.
