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Mental exam for 'King Munhumutapa'
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A man who claims to be King Munhumutapa has found himself in legal trouble for allegedly dethroning chiefs appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Timothy Chiminya, who appeared before Harare magistrate Isheanesu Matova, faces charges of undermining the authority of the President.
Chiminya was not asked to plead during his appearance, and the court has ordered that he undergo a mental health evaluation to determine whether he is fit to stand trial. Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu requested that two medical doctors conduct the evaluation, and Chiminya was remanded in custody until January 7, 2025, for this process.
According to the State, Chiminya claims to have been appointed King Munhumutapa by a spirit medium, granting him the authority to appoint chiefs in Zimbabwe. It is alleged that in February 2024, Chiminya went to the homestead of Chief Seke, where he met Stanley Chimanike, the legally appointed Chief Seke. Chiminya told Chimanike that he had dethroned him and replaced him with Masimba Rubatika as the new chief.
Following this, Chimanike reportedly made a formal complaint to the Ministry of Local Government about his dethronement. The State claims that between June and October 2024, Chiminya continued to appoint additional chiefs, including Julius Chimbi as Chief Chigegwe and Hama Piki in Chirumhanzu, as well as Chief Nyakunhuwa in Zaka, Masvingo.
The court was told that Chiminya's actions were in violation of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the Traditional Leaders Act, as only the President has the authority to appoint chiefs. His alleged appointments were seen as an attempt to create parallel structures in defiance of the President's constitutional powers.
The State further accused Chiminya of ridiculing the office of the President by performing duties reserved for the President, including the appointment and dismissal of chiefs. It is also alleged that he promised to remove chiefs appointed by the President, further undermining the legitimacy of the government.
Chiminya's claims to the throne of Munhumutapa and his actions have sparked significant controversy, as they challenge the authority of both traditional leaders and the state. The case will continue after the mental evaluation, with Chiminya facing potential legal consequences if found fit to stand trial.
Chiminya was not asked to plead during his appearance, and the court has ordered that he undergo a mental health evaluation to determine whether he is fit to stand trial. Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu requested that two medical doctors conduct the evaluation, and Chiminya was remanded in custody until January 7, 2025, for this process.
According to the State, Chiminya claims to have been appointed King Munhumutapa by a spirit medium, granting him the authority to appoint chiefs in Zimbabwe. It is alleged that in February 2024, Chiminya went to the homestead of Chief Seke, where he met Stanley Chimanike, the legally appointed Chief Seke. Chiminya told Chimanike that he had dethroned him and replaced him with Masimba Rubatika as the new chief.
Following this, Chimanike reportedly made a formal complaint to the Ministry of Local Government about his dethronement. The State claims that between June and October 2024, Chiminya continued to appoint additional chiefs, including Julius Chimbi as Chief Chigegwe and Hama Piki in Chirumhanzu, as well as Chief Nyakunhuwa in Zaka, Masvingo.
The court was told that Chiminya's actions were in violation of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the Traditional Leaders Act, as only the President has the authority to appoint chiefs. His alleged appointments were seen as an attempt to create parallel structures in defiance of the President's constitutional powers.
The State further accused Chiminya of ridiculing the office of the President by performing duties reserved for the President, including the appointment and dismissal of chiefs. It is also alleged that he promised to remove chiefs appointed by the President, further undermining the legitimacy of the government.
Chiminya's claims to the throne of Munhumutapa and his actions have sparked significant controversy, as they challenge the authority of both traditional leaders and the state. The case will continue after the mental evaluation, with Chiminya facing potential legal consequences if found fit to stand trial.
Source - NewZimbabwe
