Tungamirai Jerera, the newly elected Chief Nyajena, died suddenly while attending a meeting with widows at Rupike Irrigation Scheme in Masvingo Central Constituency on April 10, 2025. He collapsed while seated at the VIP podium behind First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa. According to eyewitnesses, Jerera was sitting quietly before he fell, and Permanent Secretary Dr. Admore Pazvakavambwa quickly called for medical help.

Chief Grace Zengeya, the Nyajena regent, expressed shock over the incident, stating that Jerera’s death occurred in plain sight. “We just saw him being carried to an ambulance, and I was shocked to learn it was him when I inquired,” Zengeya said. Jerera was rushed to Morgenster Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The circumstances surrounding Jerera’s death have sparked speculation, with some linking it to the controversy over his selection as chief. His installation had been delayed due to challenges from others, fueling suspicions that his death might be connected to the chieftaincy dispute. Notably, Jerera had traveled 10 kilometers on foot from Guwa village and appeared fit before his sudden demise.

This isn’t the first mysterious death in the area. Regent Chief Addmore Zengeya died under unclear circumstances in 2022, and headman Madhuviko Manyise died in a bus accident last year. Locals suspect witchcraft might be involved, as it’s often associated with the installation of chiefs and headmen. The Muchibwa family, known as kingmakers in the Nyajena and Bota chieftaincy, recently established a sub-chiefdom under Nyajena.