Widow reopens 1994 death case, links it to village power takeover

Retired Major General and liberation war veteran Gibson Mashingaidze is facing renewed scrutiny in Bikita after a widow alleged that her husband's 1994 death was used to facilitate a takeover of the Mutengwa Village headship.

The dispute centres on the death of former village head Jemias Magwere, who was fatally struck by an army truck reportedly parked at Mashingaidze's homestead at the time. Although the incident occurred more than three decades ago, it has resurfaced following claims that it paved the way for a shift in traditional leadership.

Magwere's widow, Gladys Masunda, told the Masvingo Mirror that her husband was struck at Masosonore bus stop while on his way to a funeral in 1994 and later died at Silveira Hospital.

"My husband was crushed by an army truck that had come to Major General Mashingaidze's homestead in 1994," she said.

Masunda alleged that shortly after the memorial service, efforts began to transfer the Mutengwa village headship to Mashingaidze.

"After my husband's memorial service, Mashingaidze started a process to take over the Mutengwa village headship, yet they already had their own village under their leadership," she said. "What worries me most is that the way my husband died now feels like it was part of a plan to take over his village."

She further claimed that the village was later renamed Kufakunesu, but official records do not reflect Mashingaidze as the rightful custodian. Masunda also alleged that a former chief had ruled in favour of the Magwere family before being removed.

Mashingaidze confirmed that the late Magwere was killed in an accident involving an army truck that had been at his homestead but strongly denied any wrongdoing or conspiracy.

"I am the rightful person because I am related to Magwere. Our families come from the same root. I can confirm that an army truck which was at my homestead hit Magwere, but it was a pure accident. If you want more details, you can speak to the Police who handled the matter," he said.

Acting Chief Mukanganwi, born Richard Chapwanya, said records at the District Development Coordinator's office show the village headship belongs to Mashingaidze. However, former acting Chief Mukanganwi, Munyaradzi Warure — who was removed on January 1, 2026 — said he resolved the matter in October 2025 after consultations and concluded that Mutengwa Village belonged to the Magwere family.

"I established that Mutengwa Village belongs to the Magwere family. There are four houses — Musharavati, Chidhindi, Mukomondero and Magwere — and each has its own village. Mashingaidze cannot take over a village that belongs to another house," said Warure.

Bikita District Development Coordinator Bernard Hadzirabwi declined to comment, while Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial chairperson Robson Mavenyengwa said he was unaware of the dispute and denied any involvement by the ruling party.

The matter has reignited tensions in the area, with competing claims over traditional leadership now under renewed public scrutiny.