Traditional court turns into a fighting ring

A TRADITIONAL court was turned into a fighting ring when villagers and potential candidates went into a brawl following a dispute over who will take over the Nemangwe chieftaincy.

There have been delays in the appointment of Chief Nemangwe of Nemangwe-Gokwe area due to a dispute on the suitable candidate to take over the chieftaincy following the death of a substantive chief in 2009.

Acting Chief Nemangwe, Mike Katyavazungu, has been battling with Jonathan Kaneshonga who is contesting and challenging the decision by family members to appoint him as substantive chief. The villagers resorted to an untraditional secret ballot to choose the late traditional leaders' successor.

Kutyavazungu garnered more votes but Kaneshonga could not graciously concede defeat, leading to a heated argument which degenerated into a fist fight as villagers and family members exchanged blows. Kutyavazungu confirmed the incident which occurred two weeks ago, saying family members and fellow villagers "had a little scuffle" following a misunderstanding over the chieftaincy. He, however, said he was not involved in the fight although the dispute was between him and his cousin Kaneshonga.

"I can confirm that there was a fight but I was not involved. The villagers argued on their own and ended up fighting. We have been disagreeing on who should take over the reigns. I want to be appointed substantive chief but my cousin is also eyeing the same position.

"We are now waiting for Government to deliberate on the matter. The matter is also before the High Court," said Kutyavazungu.

According to a relative, Kaneshonga's appeal at the High Court was turned down.

"During the court of council to select the next chief, villagers and family members voted for Katyavazungu but Kaneshonga refused and contested saying the elections had been rigged and he was born to be the next Chief Nemangwe," the relative said.

Director of the Traditional Leadership Association, Mr Andrew Mukwaira refused to comment arguing that the matter was complicated.

"The chieftaincy issue is just complicated and I am sorry I can't comment on that one," said Mr Mukwaira.

Midlands Provincial Administrator Mrs Cecilia Chitiyo said she was waiting for Government to deliberate on the matter.

"I believe the directors of traditional leadership have sent a commission of inquiry concerning the disputes and we are still waiting for their response," said Mrs Chitiyo.

The chieftaincy became vacant after Katyavazungu's father died in 2009. Katyavazungu was appointed acting chief in January 2010.

Efforts to get a comment from Kuneshonga were futile.