Insiza villagers cross swords with Chief Mafu

Villagers in Insiza District are at odds with their chief over the alleged protection of an abusive village head, Anton Msimanga, whose conduct has drawn multiple complaints from locals. The villagers, who are demanding Msimanga's removal, accuse him of various forms of abuse, including verbal assaults and threats, but claim their concerns have been dismissed by Chief Dambisamahubo Mafu.

Msimanga, who was appointed village head by the late Chief Vezi Maduna in 2016, is said to have been repeatedly abusive to villagers in the Malole B and Chetumbu areas under the Nhlangano line. In recent weeks, the villagers submitted petitions to both Chief Mafu and their headman, Nhlokotshwane Mafu, asking for Msimanga's removal. However, Chief Mafu allegedly dismissed the petitions, stating that Msimanga, who was appointed by his late father, would not be removed unless the late Chief Maduna "wakes up from his grave."

During a meeting with the villagers last month, Chief Mafu reportedly told them that he would not intervene in the matter, asserting that Msimanga's position was secure and beyond question. Trust Malunga, a villager who spoke to NewsDay, recounted the chief's remarks, expressing frustration at the lack of support for those suffering under Msimanga's alleged abusive behavior.

"As villagers, we suffer from abuse, and our voices are being silenced," Malunga said. "When we try to stand up for ourselves, our village head verbally abuses us. We have even gone to court for protection orders, but nothing has changed. We petitioned Chief Mafu and our headman, but to no avail. We need help from the authorities."

Another villager, Thabo Moyo, 54, shared her personal experience of alleged mistreatment. "At times, he just shouts at me, saying that because he is the village head, he has the power to have me banished from the village," she said.

In response to the allegations, Msimanga denied any wrongdoing, claiming that Chief Mafu's decision to retain him was proof of his good conduct. "The chief is going to chase them (complainants) away because they are abusing me, a village head who is working for the President. If I was truly abusive, Chief Mafu would have demoted me by now," Msimanga said. He also warned that anyone who continued to speak out about him would face consequences.

Chief Mafu, who did not respond to calls for comment, has yet to address the matter directly. However, the headman, Nhlokotshwane Mafu, confirmed that the petition against Msimanga had been received but appeared unconcerned about the issue. "I am not concerned about this. I am more focused on resolving the matter," he stated. "It's good for journalists to be concerned because this is a public office."

As the dispute continues, the villagers are calling for swift intervention from higher authorities, urging them to address their grievances and take action against the alleged abuse. With tensions escalating, it remains to be seen whether the matter will be resolved or whether the villagers will be forced to continue their fight for justice.