By Takudzwa Changadeya
Harare – Self proclaimed “King Munhumutapa,” Timothy Chiminya, has been arrested and charged with undermining the authority of or insulting President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) detained Chiminya on December 16, accusing him of acting unlawfully by claiming to appoint and dethrone traditional chiefs across the country.
According to the police, these actions are “reportedly the preserve of the ruling ZANU PF political party leader.”
In a statement, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) said, “Chiminya was arrested by some @PoliceZimbabwe officers on 16 December, who accused him of acting unlawfully & causing ridicule to President Mnangagwa by purporting to appoint Chiefs.”
Prosecutors allege that Chiminya’s actions caused ridicule to the president and disrupted the traditional leadership system.
They also claim he removed some chiefs who were legitimately appointed by Mnangagwa.
Chiminya, represented by lawyer Gift Mtisi from ZLHR, appeared before Harare Magistrate Sheunesu Matowa on December 18.
The court ordered that he remain in custody until January 7, 2025, to allow two medical doctors to evaluate his mental health, as requested by prosecutors.
The charges against Chiminya were filed by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, represented by Mr. Felix Alexander Chikovo, Chief Director in the Department of Traditional Leadership Support Services.
Prosecutor Mr. Takudzwa Jambawu informed the court that Chiminya claims he was appointed as “King Munhumutapa” by a spirit medium, a position he believes grants him the authority to install and dethrone chiefs.
The court heard that in February 2024, Chiminya visited Chief Seke’s homestead, where he met Mr. Stanley Chimanike, the legally appointed Chief Seke.
During the visit, Chiminya reportedly informed Mr. Chimanike that he had been dethroned and replaced by Masimba Rubatika, whom Chiminya claimed to have appointed as the new chief.
On June 11, 2024, Mr. Chimanike reported Chiminya’s actions to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, the body responsible for overseeing the administration of the Traditional Leaders Act.
Further allegations indicate that between June 11 and October 31, 2024, Chiminya went on to “appoint” three additional chiefs in Chirumhanzu and Zaka.
These appointments included Julius Chimbi as Chief Chigegwe, Hama Piki in Chirumhanzu, and Chief Nyakunhuwa in Zaka.
Zimbabwe’s legal framework includes provisions against insulting the president.
Section 33 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act criminalizes actions that undermine the authority of or insult the president, with penalties including fines or imprisonment.
Despite a 2013 Constitutional Court ruling declaring such laws unconstitutional, prosecutions have persisted.
In 2023, the enactment of the “Patriotic Bill” further criminalized actions deemed to damage the national interest, signaling a tightening of restrictions on free expression.
Traditional leadership appointments in Zimbabwe are constitutionally regulated, with the president holding authority over the appointment and removal of chiefs.
