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The Abantwana/Bomzabalazo – a movement of patriotic young Zimbabweans whose parents fought in the liberation struggle under the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZPRA) are seeking the intervention of the government through the office of the President of the Chiefs Council, Chief Fortune Charumbira to be assisted towards resolving a leadership crisis which has arisen in Zhombe, Midlands Province.
There are concerns over the goings-on in Zhombe, Fafi area to be precise.
Martha Dube-Khumalo, the Abantwana Secretary approached Chief Charumbira because traditional leaders are an important pillar of the people’s revolution which was initiated by forefathers such as Chaminuka, Mbuya Nehanda, Sekuru Kaguvi, and King Lobengula among others.
“We look to traditional leaders for moral and cultural guidance and when they fail to provide these we are left exposed at grass-root level. We write to you as the leader of our traditional leaders. We seek your intervention and assistance towards resolving a leadership crisis that has arisen in Zhombe. Our members have raised concerns over the goings-on in Zhombe, Fafi area to be precise,” Dube-Khumalo said in the letter addressed to Chief Charumbira.
Children of ZIPRA veterans members are arguing that Chief Malisa is allegedly demanding bribes to settle disputes that fall under his jurisdiction under the Traditional leaders Act such as the appointment of Headmen. It is alleged by one Daniel Ncube that Chief Malisa demanded a bribe to appoint Munashe Dube as Headmen Nduku without consulting the family.
The members allege that Munashe Dube does not have a homestead in the area and does not reside in the area, therefore, he is not fit to be the headman of the area. It has also been raised that Munashe Dube belongs to a certain political Alliance and he has sent his emissaries such as Wilmore Ncube, Edson Ncube, Yoyo, and others to warn revolutionary and patriotic elements in Zhombe. They have allegedly threatened them with arrests and eviction from the area unless they tow an “anti-government political line.”
Some of these allegations have been raised with the Midlands provincial leadership such as Minister Paul Mavima, the Provincial Development Coordinator, Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission, and others.
The group wants Chief Charumbira to investigate the conduct of Chief Malisa and ensure that those who support the “revolutionary ideals of the country are not punished by a vindictive Munashe Dube and his cabal who are serving sinister motives and purposes.”
By the time of going to print, Chief Charumbira was not available for comment. The group also petitioned Hon July Moyo, the Minister of Local Government to compel him to intervene in the matter.