A Harare man, Timothy Chiminya, appeared in court on Wednesday, facing charges of undermining the authority of the President.
According to the Herald, Chiminya claims to be King Munhumutapa, with the power to appoint and remove traditional chiefs in Zimbabwe.
However, in Zimbabwe, traditional chieftainships are hereditary, and the President formally appoints the heir, following community norms.
Chiminya’s actions have caused confusion and disrupted traditional leadership structures, creating parallel structures that undermine the President’s authority.
The court heard that Chiminya visited Chief Seke’s homestead in February, informing the legally appointed chief that he had been dethroned and replaced.
Chiminya also appointed three additional chiefs in Chirumhanzu and Zaka, all of which were in direct violation of the Constitution and the Traditional Leaders Act.
The prosecution argued that Chiminya’s actions ridiculed the Office of the President and attempted to usurp the President’s executive powers. Chiminya has been remanded in custody until January 7, 2025.
