THE trial of self-proclaimed King Munhumutapa, Timothy Chiminya, who faces the charge of undermining the authority of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, starts today.
Chiminya will appear before Harare magistrate Winfilda Tiyatara.
It is the State’s case that Chiminya alleges that he was appointed King Munhumutapa by a spirit medium, giving him authority to install and remove chiefs across the country.
The court heard that in February last year, Chiminya visited Chief Seke’s homestead, where he met Stanley Chimanike, the legally appointed Chief Seke.
Chiminya reportedly informed Chief Seke that he had been dethroned and appointed Masimba Rubatika to replace him.
Chiminya was reported to the Local Government and Public Works ministry, which oversees the administration of the Traditional Leaders Act.
It is alleged that between June 11 and October 31, Chiminya, however, appointed three other chiefs in the Chirumhanzu and Zaka areas.
The court heard the appointments were in violation of the Constitution and the Traditional Leaders Act, which grants the President sole authority to appoint chiefs.
- ED’s influence will take generations to erase
- ‘Govt spineless on wetland land barons’
- Govt under attack over banks lending ban
- Zim Constitution must be amended
Keep Reading
The State accused Chiminya of creating parallel structures that undermine the legitimate authority established by the President.
The prosecution argued that Chiminya’s actions ridiculed the Office of the President by attempting to usurp the President’s executive powers.
