HARARE – The Harare Magistrates’ Court has sentenced Timothy Chiminya (58), who referred to himself as “King Munhumutapa,” to an effective eight months in prison for allegedly “undermining” the authority of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA), Chiminya engaged in unlawful activities between 2019 and December 2024, during which he claimed to have been appointed “King Munhumutapa.”
He went on to assert that he had authority to replace duly appointed traditional leaders, including Chief Seke and Chief Nyakunhuwa, with candidates of his own choosing.
The NPA said Chiminya ignored a formal warning issued by the Ministry of Local Government on 8 February 2022 directing him to stop the illegal activities. His continued actions led to his arrest.
Magistrates handed him a 10-month sentence, with two months suspended on condition of good behaviour for the next five years, leaving him to serve an effective eight months.
Authorities said Chiminya’s conduct directly challenged the constitutional authority of the President, who appoints traditional leaders through the Ministry of Local Government.
Last year, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, opposed an application filed by Chiminya, in which he sought formal recognition as Zimbabwe’s paramount king.
The Ministry maintained that Chiminya’s claim had no constitutional basis, noting that the Constitution provides for the recognition of chiefs, headmen and village heads only.
Although the Ministry opposed the application, Chiminya managed to secure a default judgement from the High Court in 2022.
Subsequently, the Ministry directed the Attorney General to seek a rescission of that judgment.
“The effect of the rescission being granted is that the order which Chiminya was masquerading with has been set aside and cannot claim to be the installed king.
“The initial matter of 2022 is now pending and has to be heard on the merits, that is the matter will go for a full trial.
“The Ministry has never at any time consented to the appointment of Timothy Chiminya and as we speak, he is behind bars. The law has taken its course and the same will apply to the other two,” Garwe stated.
