MASVINGO – Local Government and Public Works Permanent Secretary Tafadzwa Muguti has announced that President Emmerson Mnangagwa has approved the recall of Chiefs Council Deputy President Chief Fortune Charumbira and two other traditional leaders from the Senate.
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Read E-PaperThe other chiefs facing recall are Chief Nhema, born Rangarirai Bwawanda, of Zaka, and Chief Chitanga, born Felen Chauke, of Mwenezi.
Muguti said the decision followed a recommendation by the Masvingo Provincial Chiefs Assembly, which accused the three traditional leaders of undermining the authority of the President.
The allegations against Chief Charumbira also include a dispute over gold mining activities in Bondolfi, Masvingo, where villagers reportedly rushed to prospect for gold.
According to the allegations, Chief Charumbira convened a meeting with villagers involved in gold prospecting on July 16, 2026, and advised them to legalise their operations. A week later, he allegedly registered a mining claim covering the entire area and began evicting the villagers.
The development reportedly angered the affected villagers, who remain dissatisfied with the situation.
The Masvingo Provincial Chiefs Assembly held a meeting at Clever’s Hotel near Lake Mutirikwi, where members voted on the proposed recall of the three chiefs.
Of the chiefs who participated in the vote, 42 supported the recall, three opposed it, and another three abstained.
Assembly chairperson Chief Serima, born Vengesai Rushwaya, confirmed the resolution, saying the trio had been recommended for removal from the Senate over allegations of undermining the President.
“We have resolved that Chiefs Charumbira, Nhema and Chitanga be recalled and we have written to the Minister (of Local Government and Public Works) and also Parliament for them to be recalled primarily for undermining the President,” said Chief Serima.
He further accused the three chiefs of opposing Mnangagwa’s efforts to restore traditional leadership positions that had been abolished during the colonial era.
According to Chief Serima, the trio allegedly failed to attend installation ceremonies for the revived chieftainships, an action he said was inconsistent with their responsibilities as members of the provincial chiefs’ assembly.
He said the meeting had also resolved that traditional leaders should not openly act against the President’s wishes.
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works is expected to formally notify Parliament of the recall.
The allegations against the three chiefs have not been independently established in the information provided.
