A village head in Makoni got into trouble after handling an adultery case without permission from higher officials. He charged a man three cows for having an affair with another man's wife. Headman Chitsike took the village leader to Chief Makoni's court for breaking proper rules. Officials said the case should have gone to higher authorities instead.
The village head claimed he only helped friends settle their problems privately. He recorded the meeting details and received five goats as payment for the wronged husband. His story fell apart when he admitted keeping written records of the proceedings at his home. The court rejected his defense as dishonest.
The chief found him guilty of handling matters beyond his power. As punishment, he must pay three goats and $100 for court costs. Officials explained that sensitive issues like adultery require proper legal handling through official channels. Village heads lack the authority to make binding decisions on disputes.
Their only role involves reporting problems to headmen or chiefs for proper judgment. The law does not recognize settlements supervised by village leaders in such serious matters.
The village head claimed he only helped friends settle their problems privately. He recorded the meeting details and received five goats as payment for the wronged husband. His story fell apart when he admitted keeping written records of the proceedings at his home. The court rejected his defense as dishonest.
The chief found him guilty of handling matters beyond his power. As punishment, he must pay three goats and $100 for court costs. Officials explained that sensitive issues like adultery require proper legal handling through official channels. Village heads lack the authority to make binding decisions on disputes.
Their only role involves reporting problems to headmen or chiefs for proper judgment. The law does not recognize settlements supervised by village leaders in such serious matters.
