KING Munhumutapa, born Timothy Chiminya, last Saturday presided over the installation of Johnsias Mugomeri as paramount Chief Goredema in Gokwe.
Chiminya yesterday confirmed installing Mugomeri as paramount Chief Goredema saying nothing will deter him from overseeing the coronation of substantive chiefs across the country.
“We are correcting history and I have installed Goredema of the Varozvi Moyo clan as paramount chief in Gokwe,” Chiminya said.
Government has said Chiminya is an impostor.
Chiminya said he will take legal action against those who “place hurdles” in his way as a king as he has powers to install chiefs.
King Munhumutapa is currently locked in a legal dispute with the ministries of Justice and Local Government that are challenging his Kingship.
Chiminya had obtained a High Court order issued by Justice Priscilla Manongwa-Munangati directing the ministry to pay him his outstanding wages and allowances as King Munhumutapa.
The ministry, however, sought a rescission of the judgment after the government labelled him an impostor.
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Chiminya opposed the application by the ministry.
Chiminya argued that Zanu PF acknowledged him as King Munhumutapa by using him to perform rituals for the ruling party.
The Justice ministry said Chiminya’s claim to be King Munhumutapa is unconstitutional and a legal nullity.
The Local Government and Public Works ministry also issued a follow-up statement denouncing Chiminya as an impostor.
Chiminya has since sued the Local Government and Public Works ministry for US$100 000 for defamation by calling him an impostor.
King Munhumutapa, also known as Mwenemutapa, was the ruler of the ancient Kingdom of Mutapa sometimes referred to as the Mutapa Empire.
