News / National
King imposter to stand trial in Zimbabwe
04 Jun 2025 at 18:27hrs | Views
Timothy Chiminya, the man at the centre of a controversial royal saga, is set to appear before the Harare Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 5 June, to face charges of undermining the authority of the President.
Chiminya made headlines in 2022 when he declared himself "Mambo Munhumutapa" — a revivalist claim to the throne of the ancient Munhumutapa Kingdom — and began appointing traditional leaders across Zimbabwe, effectively challenging the constitutional authority of the Government over such matters.
The case stems from a default High Court judgment (Case No. HC3981/22) issued in Chiminya's favour after the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works failed to respond to his application within the stipulated timeframe. The ruling, delivered on 28 September 2022 by Justice Munangati-Manongwa, momentarily gave legal credence to Chiminya's claim.
Emboldened by the judgment, Chiminya took to social media proclaiming himself a legitimate monarch, issuing appointment letters to traditional chiefs under the title "Mambo Munhumutapa" and demanding official recognition from various state institutions.
However, the Attorney-General's Office contested the ruling, arguing that the Ministry had, in fact, filed its plea within the legal window. On 2 July 2024, Justice Siyabona Paul Musithu overturned the initial ruling, effectively nullifying Chiminya's royal claim.
Despite the reversal, Chiminya allegedly continued presenting himself as a legally recognised king. According to court documents, he informed government officials, community leaders, and the general public that the High Court had affirmed his kingship — omitting the fact that the same court later invalidated the judgment.
Chief Law Officer Luckson Muradzikwa condemned Chiminya's actions, stating:
"He has been going around writing letters, claiming the High Court installed him as king, while conveniently omitting that the same court later overturned that ruling. His actions are intended to mislead both state institutions and the public."
The Attorney-General's Office is seeking a permanent court injunction to bar Chiminya from making any further claims to kingship, in a bid to safeguard the authority of the state and prevent further confusion within traditional leadership structures.
In a twist to the legal saga, Chiminya has responded by filing a US$100,000 defamation lawsuit against Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe, who publicly referred to him as an "impostor" in an official statement. Chiminya argues that the minister's remarks damaged his reputation and undermined his dignity.
As his trial begins, the case has reignited debate about the boundaries between historical cultural identities and modern governance, and whether traditional claims can coexist with Zimbabwe's constitutional framework.
Chiminya has not commented publicly on the latest court proceedings.
Chiminya made headlines in 2022 when he declared himself "Mambo Munhumutapa" — a revivalist claim to the throne of the ancient Munhumutapa Kingdom — and began appointing traditional leaders across Zimbabwe, effectively challenging the constitutional authority of the Government over such matters.
The case stems from a default High Court judgment (Case No. HC3981/22) issued in Chiminya's favour after the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works failed to respond to his application within the stipulated timeframe. The ruling, delivered on 28 September 2022 by Justice Munangati-Manongwa, momentarily gave legal credence to Chiminya's claim.
Emboldened by the judgment, Chiminya took to social media proclaiming himself a legitimate monarch, issuing appointment letters to traditional chiefs under the title "Mambo Munhumutapa" and demanding official recognition from various state institutions.
However, the Attorney-General's Office contested the ruling, arguing that the Ministry had, in fact, filed its plea within the legal window. On 2 July 2024, Justice Siyabona Paul Musithu overturned the initial ruling, effectively nullifying Chiminya's royal claim.
Despite the reversal, Chiminya allegedly continued presenting himself as a legally recognised king. According to court documents, he informed government officials, community leaders, and the general public that the High Court had affirmed his kingship — omitting the fact that the same court later invalidated the judgment.
Chief Law Officer Luckson Muradzikwa condemned Chiminya's actions, stating:
"He has been going around writing letters, claiming the High Court installed him as king, while conveniently omitting that the same court later overturned that ruling. His actions are intended to mislead both state institutions and the public."
The Attorney-General's Office is seeking a permanent court injunction to bar Chiminya from making any further claims to kingship, in a bid to safeguard the authority of the state and prevent further confusion within traditional leadership structures.
In a twist to the legal saga, Chiminya has responded by filing a US$100,000 defamation lawsuit against Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe, who publicly referred to him as an "impostor" in an official statement. Chiminya argues that the minister's remarks damaged his reputation and undermined his dignity.
As his trial begins, the case has reignited debate about the boundaries between historical cultural identities and modern governance, and whether traditional claims can coexist with Zimbabwe's constitutional framework.
Chiminya has not commented publicly on the latest court proceedings.
Source - online
