Chief Murinye takes Riverton Academy war to Mnangagwa citing intimidation

MASVINGO – Chief Murinye, born Ephias Munodawafa has said that he plans to escalate his dispute with the proprietors of Riverton Academy (Murinye Extension) to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, citing alleged intimidation and concerns over what he describes as an illegal development.

“I’m also pursuing this matter to the highest authority on land so that he knows that as a traditional leader, I’m being intimidated,” he stated.

The announcement comes amid government efforts to resolve a standoff that erupted on Sunday when the chief blocked access to the newly built boarding school, preventing parents and pupils from entering the premises.

Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, has since called on local authorities and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to fast-track the school’s formal registration to allow it to operate legally.

Chadzamira convened a meeting with Chief Murinye and the school’s founder, businessman Philemon Mutangiri, in an attempt to defuse tensions. Mutangiri, who hails from Machingura Village, constructed the school on what he said is his ancestral land.

The dispute arose after Chief Murinye claimed he had not authorised the construction of the school.

The situation escalated when the chief used his Isuzu truck to block the road leading to the institution, forcing vehicles carrying parents and learners to turn back. Police from Muchakata Police Station in Masvingo Central later intervened and cleared the road.

Speaking after the meeting at his Masvingo office, Chadzamira said the school owners had applied to the relevant authorities, but administrative processes had not kept pace with the construction.

He said the school could operate temporarily as a “satellite” of a registered institution while outstanding formalities were being finalised, adding that learners should be allowed to attend classes without disruption.

Chadzamira also cautioned the chief against obstructing development, saying traditional leaders are expected to promote progress in their communities.

Chief Murinye, however, rejected this position, saying allowing the school to operate would amount to endorsing an illegality. While he said learners could temporarily use the facilities, he insisted the school should eventually be relocated to what he termed a “suitable place”.

“We don’t want to bless an illegality,” Chief Murinye said. He drew parallels with illegal land occupations commonly fronted by land barons that are later regularised out of sympathy.

He said he now intends to take the matter to the highest office, including a planned meeting with President Mnangagwa, to report what he described as intimidation.

“As a traditional leader, I am not supposed to carry out my duties with fear or favour where it concerns those with money,” Chief Murinye said.