Chief dies 5 months after installation

Kabias Chityatya, who was installed as Chief Mawere in July last year, has died at the age of 90.

Chityatya succumbed to prostate cancer after a prolonged illness, his son Kabias confirmed in an interview. He said the traditional leader had not been well for some time and was already ill at the time of his installation.

"We are saddened by the death of my father. He succumbed to prostate cancer and has not been well for some time. His installation was done whilst he was ill," said Chityatya.

Chief Mawere replaced Pious Mapetere, who had served as acting chief for 11 years. During his tenure, Mapetere reportedly did not receive any allowances from the government amid allegations that he supported the opposition MDC and that late opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai once visited his home.

Mapetere is said to have all but abandoned efforts to claim the unpaid allowances after the District Development Coordinator, Chiedza Tafirei, reportedly indicated that he would not be paid.

The chieftaincy has previously been linked to political tensions in the area. In 2021, one of the Zhambes, Nyasha Zhambe — a nephew to the late chief — allegedly died after being attacked by Zanu-PF supporters in Gutu Central for supporting opposition leader Nelson Chamisa. No arrests were made, despite suspects, including a prominent Zanu-PF field officer, being known.

Chityatya, who was a successful farmer and a devout member of the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe, was buried last Wednesday at his homestead in Chief Mawere's area in Gutu.

Chief Mawere's nephew, Onesmo Zhambe, described the late traditional leader as a compassionate and approachable person.

"He was loved by many people. He was empathetic and good at counselling those who came to him with problems," said Zhambe.

Chief Mawere is survived by his wife, Sesedzai, and 10 children — eight boys and two girls.