Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku [email protected]
National Chiefs Council president Chief Mtshane Khumalo, has accused businessman Mr Philemon Mutangiri of allegedly insulting Chief Murinye of Masvingo province during a fallout over the establishment of a new school in the area.
The conflict began when Chief Murinye (born Elias Munodawafa) blocked the road leading to Riverton Academy, a privately owned school belonging to Mr Mutangiri.
The academy has reportedly enrolled around 1 000 students and most of them are boarders. Mr Mutangiri, who hails from Machingura Village, built the school on his ancestral land.
The situation escalated when numerous vehicles transporting parents and students were halted by the Chief, who used his Isuzu truck to block access. Police officers from Muchakata Police Station in Masvingo Central had to intervene before the Chief would move his vehicle.
Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Ezra Chadzamira, has since called for a meeting to resolve the issue and allow the school to operate while the owner is sorting out the paperwork.
Chief Murinye has said he had not authorised the construction of the school. Mr Mutangiri has subsequently sought legal intervention at the High Court, where an interim interdict was granted against Chief Murinye. Following the court order, the school resumed operations.
In an interview on Friday, Chief Mtshane stated that during the dispute, Mr Mutangiri allegedly insulted Chief Murinye with unprintable words.
“I am not against the establishment of the school in the area. What I am more worried and concerned about is the report I received stating that Mr Mutangiri insulted Chief Murinye during an argument over the construction of the school,” he said.
“I would like to state clearly that such an action is wrong and demeaning. How can we expect Chief Murinye’s subjects to respect him if this happens? Moreover, the general public takes a cue from such behaviour.”
Chief Mtshane said Mr Mutangiri should have engaged Chief Murinye before constructing the school.
“I understand Mr Mutangiri engaged a headman instead of Chief Murinye. Had they discussed the construction, we could not be having this conflict. Chiefs are respected figures who hold authority over their jurisdiction and as such they must be accorded due respect,” he added.
