Chirumanzu chieftainship dispute intensifies

Chirumanzu chieftainship aspirant Julius Chimbi Chigegwe has dismissed as "misinformed" allegations by Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe that he seeks to assume the throne fraudulently.

Chigegwe has approached the High Court to reclaim the Chirumanzu chieftainship, claiming it was wrongly bestowed on Abraham Nyamande. Nyamande was appointed substantive Chief Chirumanzu, but certain royal family members contest his ascendancy and have taken the matter to the High Court.

In his notice of opposition dated August 28, received by the High Court of Zimbabwe's Harare Civil Division on September 1 under case number HCH 4096/25, Minister Garwe argued that Chigegwe's claim was invalid.

"The Chirumanzu chieftainship follows a collateral system of succession between two houses, the Nherera and Mutizirapi (Simba). Thus, the chieftainship rotates between these two houses only," Garwe stated.

He added that there was no evidence confirming whether Chigegwe is a descendant of the Nherera house. Garwe emphasised that it is the mandate of the clan to select the next chief in accordance with the Constitution, the Traditional Leaders Act [Chapter 29:17], and local customs.

"The applicant has been seeking to have a fraudulent nomination since 2021," Garwe asserted. "The Chigegwe sub-house has been lying in vain to become chiefs."

Responding to the minister's notice, Chigegwe accused Garwe of attempting to mislead the courts.

"It is clear from the tone of the affidavits that the respondent fails to understand the nature and context of my application," Chigegwe said. "I am surprised and shocked that an opposing affidavit has been filed out of an abundance of caution. My response should be considered in its entirety, not in isolation."

Chigegwe maintains that he is a legitimate descendant of the Chirumanzu royal house, tracing his lineage to Mhepo from the Nherera and Mutizirapi branches, which are part of the rotational system of the chieftainship.

"The chieftainship rotates not only between two houses as alleged, but alternates between different branches within the royal family of the same clan," he said. "A chief is selected from the next royal house by order of seniority, and this continues until all eligible houses have had their turn."

Chigegwe also cited "serious irregularities" in Nyamande's nomination, which he says failed to meet established criteria. Nyamande was installed as Chief Chirumanzu in July, despite a pending High Court order (HCH920/25) challenging his appointment.

The dispute remains before the courts, with the matter still pending.