2 chiefs acting as Minister Garwe's bodyguards

A controversy has erupted over reports that two recently appointed traditional leaders are serving as part of Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe's security detail, with legal experts warning that the arrangement may be unconstitutional and undermines the integrity of traditional leadership.

Chief Chikwanda of Masvingo and Chief Nyakuchena of Mudzi were reportedly seen accompanying Garwe during a visit to Masvingo two weeks ago, acting as members of his security entourage.

The two traditional leaders, identified as Keith Karinda Chimbangu (Chief Nyakuchena) and Silas Chikwanda (Chief Chikwanda), are also alleged to be members of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), positions they are said to have retained after assuming their roles as chiefs.

The development has triggered criticism from legal practitioners, who argue that holding positions within the State security apparatus while simultaneously serving as traditional leaders raises serious constitutional and ethical questions.

Lawyer Aleck Muchadehama said the arrangement appears to be inconsistent with the Constitution, noting that chiefs are appointed on a full-time basis to serve and administer their communities.

"My understanding is that chiefs are appointed on a full-time basis to administer governance and justice at the local level, and thus they get monthly stipends and vehicles from the Government. Chiefs have to be grounded in the communities that they are appointed to serve," Muchadehama told Masvingo Mirror.

He further argued that traditional leaders are expected to remain non-partisan and independent in the discharge of their duties.

"Section 282 of the Constitution bars chiefs from being partisan, which Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3 seeks to overturn. Once appointed, you can't be a civil servant," he said.

Muchadehama added that the issue should attract the attention of the leadership of the Chiefs' Council, which has a responsibility to safeguard the integrity and independence of traditional institutions.

Constitutional lawyer Lovemore Madhuku was even more critical, describing the arrangement as incompatible with the office of a chief and raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding the appointments.

"You cannot be a chief and be gainfully employed by the government. The Minister is demeaning the office of chiefs, and he acted wrongly by recommending individuals in his office to be appointed as chiefs," Madhuku said.

"This shows corrupt tendencies in the appointment of the two chiefs. This is absolute madness."

Madhuku further argued that the reported dual roles create a conflict of interest and risk eroding public confidence in traditional leadership structures, which are expected to serve communities impartially and independently.

The controversy comes amid growing debate over the role of traditional leaders in governance and politics, particularly as Parliament considers Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which contains provisions affecting the participation of traditional leaders in political processes.

Neither Minister Garwe nor the two chiefs had publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication.

The reports have nevertheless intensified scrutiny of the relationship between traditional leadership, government institutions and the State security sector, with calls mounting for clarity on whether the arrangement complies with constitutional requirements governing the conduct and responsibilities of chiefs.