A Harare court is grappling with a unique case involving Timothy Chiminya, a man claiming to be the King Munhumutapa, who stands accused of undermining the authority of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Chiminya appeared before Harare magistrate Isheanesu Matova on charges of undermining the President, a serious offence under Zimbabwean law. He was not required to plead at this initial appearance.
The prosecution, led by Takudzwa Jambawu, has requested a mental health evaluation for Chiminya to determine his fitness to stand trial. This request followed the unusual nature of the allegations against him. The magistrate remanded Chiminya in custody until 7 January 2025, to allow two medical doctors to conduct the necessary assessment.
Chiminya’s alleged actions stem from his claim to have been appointed King Munhumutapa by a spirit medium. He reportedly believes this appointment grants him the authority to appoint chiefs throughout Zimbabwe, a power solely vested in the President under the country’s Constitution and the Traditional Leaders Act.
The State alleges that Chiminya’s actions directly challenged the President’s authority. In February, he reportedly visited Chief Seke’s homestead, confronted the legally appointed Chief Seke, Stanley Chimanike, and declared him dethroned. Chiminya then allegedly appointed Masimba Rubatika as the new Chief Seke.
Chimanike subsequently reported his alleged dethronement to the Ministry of Local Government on 11 June 2024. However, Chiminya’s actions did not stop there. The State alleges that between 11 June 2024 and 31 October 2024, Chiminya appointed three more chiefs in the Chirumhanzu and Zaka districts. These appointments included Julius Chimbi as Chief Chigegwe, Hama Piki in Chirumanzu, and Chief Nyakunhuwa in Zaka, Masvingo.
The prosecution contends that all of Chiminya’s appointments were illegal, directly contravening the Zimbabwean Constitution and the Traditional Leaders Act. These actions, the State argues, constitute a direct challenge to the President’s authority and are a blatant disregard for established legal processes. By creating parallel traditional leadership structures, Chiminya is accused of undermining the authority of the President, who holds the executive power to appoint chiefs.
Furthermore, the State alleges that Chiminya’s actions were intended to ridicule the office of the President. His claim to appoint chiefs, a function exclusively reserved for the President, is seen as a deliberate attempt to undermine the President’s authority and the established system of traditional leadership. The State also alleges that Chiminya threatened to dismiss chiefs appointed by the President, further highlighting his disregard for the established legal framework.
The case against Chiminya is unusual and raises significant questions about the balance between traditional practices and the legal framework governing traditional leadership in Zimbabwe.
