A Harare man, Timothy Chiminya, has been convicted for undermining presidential authority after falsely claiming the title King Munhumutapa. He asserted that a spirit medium granted him the power to appoint and remove traditional leaders. The court found his actions unlawful, violating the Constitution and the Traditional Leaders Act, which reserves such authority for the President.
The prosecution argued that Chiminya’s claims of being the King of Zimbabwe and Emperor of Africa demonstrated high moral culpability and directly challenged the state. They requested a custodial sentence to deter future offenses. His defense lawyer pleaded for leniency, citing his client’s status as a first-time offender who had complied with bail conditions.
The case originated from a complaint by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. Investigations revealed Chiminya had unlawfully dethroned Chief Seke and installed a replacement. He also appointed three other individuals as chiefs in Chirumhanzu and Zaka districts without any legal standing.
The prosecution argued that Chiminya’s claims of being the King of Zimbabwe and Emperor of Africa demonstrated high moral culpability and directly challenged the state. They requested a custodial sentence to deter future offenses. His defense lawyer pleaded for leniency, citing his client’s status as a first-time offender who had complied with bail conditions.
The case originated from a complaint by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. Investigations revealed Chiminya had unlawfully dethroned Chief Seke and installed a replacement. He also appointed three other individuals as chiefs in Chirumhanzu and Zaka districts without any legal standing.
