Tapfumanei Emmanuel Machingura, was stripped of his chieftainship last week over allegations of corruption.
“I was not demoted per se, but my brother’s son has returned from work and is supposed to take over the chieftaincy,” said the dethroned chief.
Masvingo District Administrator, James Mazvidza, announced the appointment of a new traditional ruler, Tivone Gono, to replace him.
”Yes I can confirm the ascension of Tivone Gono to the Chief’s position with immediate effect,” said Mazvidza.
Mazvidza said that people were afraid to report to administrators chiefs who were corrupt and underscored the need for chiefs to be custodians of traditional values as opposed to being dictators.
The community had raised concerns over the behaviour of Machingura who allegedly demanded $1500 from Econet before granting permission to erect boosters in his area.
Another company, Gopoza Transport, was allegedly asked by Machingura to pay two heifers for plying routes that passed through his area of chiefdom. “Transport operators pay for entering council ranks. Who are chiefs to be demanding further payments?
Do chiefs build roads or do they maintain them? After all, chiefs are exempted from paying bus fares,” said a councilor who requested anonymity.
“Machingura has tarnished the name of Zanu PF and terrorized people,” said a member of the Zimuto family.
Traditional leaders have hogged limelight for all the wrong reasons in the past and recently made shock demands to be given diplomatic passports and guns. They are paid $300 allowances monthly and drive government issued cars.
Post published in: News