A corruption scandal has erupted involving the Marange traditional court, led by Chief Bernard Makungauta Marange, over the installation of village heads and sub-chiefs. Multiple individuals have been installed to the same traditional positions without the dethronement of incumbents, sparking unrest in families and communities. This practice has caused divisions and polarization within families and communities, with allegations that the chief’s office is milking individuals seeking to become village heads or sub-chiefs.
The traditional court’s dependence on oral evidence and references has led to concerns about corrupt judgments and injustice. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has been urged to investigate and reign in chiefs embroiled in corrupt tendencies. ZACC has shown its commitment to tackling corruption, with recent arrests and convictions in various sectors. In the first quarter of 2025, ZACC made 82 arrests and achieved 12 convictions, recovering assets worth over $1.5 million.
The commission is also investigating illicit land deals involving chiefs, headmen, and village heads, with several cases already being processed. Two public prosecutors were recently arrested for extorting a traditional healer, highlighting the need for accountability within the justice system. The Marange traditional court should be examined to weed out corrupt practices that undermine peace and tranquility.
The government, through ZACC, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, and the Chief’s Council, should take decisive action to address these allegations and ensure that traditional leaders serve their communities without engaging in corrupt activities. Families are having challenges living in harmony with communities being polarized in a way detrimental to community development. When societies live in harmony, they thrive regardless of the obtaining economic environment unlike where resources are fleeced by the very offices with the responsibility of sniffing the very evils they are perpetrating .
by Bridget Mukwena
