Chief's son accused of impersonation

CHIEF Bernard Marange's son, Nyasha, has been accused of impersonation and intimidation of villagers while masquerading as a State security agent and traditional leader.

Nyasha is reportedly eyeing Mutare West constituency currently held by Zanu-PF legislator Teedzai Muchimwe.

Sources claimed that Nyasha was de-campaigning Muchimwe in meetings with villagers.

Nyasha was Muchimwe's campaign manager in the 2018 polls.

"We have a problem here in Marange where the chief's son Nyasha is intimidating people, saying he is close to President Emmerson Mnangagwa claiming that he has been endorsed to contest the Mutare West constituency in 2023," a source claimed.

"We want him to be investigated because he is also claiming that he is from the President Office and has been addressing meetings as Chief Marange."

Chief Marange yesterday said he was aware that his son was addressing villagers masquerading as a traditional leader.

"Yes, I have heard the rumours that Nyasha is addressing people as Chief Marange," he said.

Nyasha denied the charges of impersonation yesterday.

"Muchimwe is my churchmate and we are good friends. I am still his personal assistant. Maybe people see me as a threat, people will know the next candidate for Zanu-PF in primary elections next year. I am the son of Chief Marange. It is true," he said.

Zanu-PF Manicaland provincial chairperson Mike Madiro yesterday said: "We discourage people who drop the President's name. Name-dropping is old-fashioned, and can only be done by weak people who cannot stand for themselves."

Muchimwe said he was prepared to hand over the baton if the electorate rejects him.