Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
The trial for self-proclaimed King Munhumutapa, Timothy Chiminya, will kick off tomorrow before Harare magistrate Mrs Winfilda Tiyatara.
Chiminya is facing charges of undermining the President’s authority.
It is the State’s case that Chiminya claims he was appointed “King Munhumutapa” by a spirit medium and was given the authority to install and dethrone chiefs.
The court heard that in February last year, Chiminya met Stanley Chimanike, the legally appointed Chief Seke.
Chiminya reportedly informed Chief Seke that he had been dethroned and replaced by Masimba Rubatika.
On June 11, 2024, Chimanike reported Chiminya’s actions to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, which oversees the administration of the Traditional Leaders Act.
It is alleged that between June 11 and October 31, Chiminya went on to appoint three chiefs in Chirumhanzu and Zaka.
The court heard that all of Chiminya’s appointments were in direct violation of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the Traditional Leaders Act, which grants the President the sole authority to appoint chiefs.
Chiminya’s actions reportedly disrupted the recognised structures of traditional leadership, creating parallel structures that undermined the legitimate authority established by the President.
The prosecution argued that Chiminya’s actions ridiculed the Office of the President by attempting to usurp his executive powers.
