By Patience Gondo
The Harare Magistrates’ Court has sentenced 58-year-old Timothy Chiminya who refers himself as King Munhumutapa to an effective eight-month prison term for undermining the authority of the President Emmerson Mnangangwa.
The conviction comes, after Chimnya attempted to install and dethrone traditional leaders outside the country’s constitutional framework.
During trial the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe said Chiminya’s actions occurred between 2019 and December 2024, during which he claimed he had been appointed King Munhumutapa and asserted powers to replace the duly appointed Chief Seke with another individual.
He also attempted to remove Chief Nyakunhuwa and install his own preferred candidate.
The Ministry of Local Government issued him a written warning on 8 February 2022 ordering him to stop the activities, but he continued, leading to his arrest.
Magistrate Sharon Rakafa sentenced Chiminya to 10 months in prison, suspending two months for five years on condition of good behaviour, leaving him with an effective eight months to serve.
Under Zimbabwe’s Constitution, traditional leaders are appointed by the President through the Ministry of Local Government, and no individual is permitted to create or assume powers to install or depose chiefs.
The Traditional Leaders Act further outlines the government’s authority in administering traditional leadership structures, with the President empowered to appoint, remove or discipline chiefs following established procedures.
NPAZ said Chiminya’s conduct directly challenged these constitutional arrangements, as his claims and actions created a parallel authority inconsistent with national law.
Chiminya began serving his custodial sentence immediately after the court ruling.