By Xolisani Ncube
HARARE – Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has refused to appear before Chief Lucious Negomo’s traditional court in Chiweshe to answer charges of breaking traditional laws following his alleged “marriage” to Locadia Karimatsenga.
Chief Negomo on Wednesday personally travelled to Harare and summoned Tsvangirai to his traditional court to answer charges of breaking a traditional law that prohibits marriage ceremonies or traditional rituals in the month of November.
However, it has turned out that the law does not apply to other parts of Zimbabwe amid indications that this is one of Zanu PF’s dirty tactics on Tsvangirai.
Tsvangirai is said to have paid damages to the Karimatsenga family on November 18, but the Karimatsengas insist he paid lobola. Locadia is said to be pregnant with twins.
Tsvangirai, through his lawyers Dube, Manikai and Hwacha Legal Practitioners, told the chief that he will not attend the hearing which is set to take place today. Selby Hwacha said summoning Tsvangirai to the traditional court was not constitutional.
Hwacha claims that Negomo is not among the list of chiefs empowered to convene traditional hearings. “It appears to us that you are not included in the list of chiefs who have been entrusted with responsibility of convening a customary court,” said Hwacha in the papers sent to the chief.
Tsvangirai’s lawyer said the chief was out of order the moment he decided to personally serve Tsvangirai with the summons. “In fact the purported summons is defective also because it cites you as both the plaintiff and complainant and as the presiding officer or judge! Obviously this is irregular,” said Hwacha.
Added Hwacha’s letter to Chief Negomo: “It appears to us that you have not read and or that you do not understand the law, province and your limits as a traditional chief.”
Deputy Minister of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development Sesel Zvidzai, a Tsvangirai appointee in the fragile coalition, came out fighting from his boss’ side saying the area in which the Karimatsenga family resides does not fall under the jurisdiction of Chief Negomo.
“Christon Bank is a Human Settlement under Mazowe Rural District Council. Resettlement areas have not been placed under jurisdiction of any appropriate Chieftainship and Christon Bank is one such resettlement that has not been placed under the jurisdiction of any Chief,” said Zvidzai.
Zvidzai described Chief Negomo’s action as “serious mischief.” “His actions to summon the Prime Minister to his so-called court are mischievous (this) will naturally invite action from the ministry,” said Zvidzai.
But Negomo, who insists that the Karimatsenga family come from his area says the “marriage” ceremony has invited misfortunes in his area.
In the past, traditional leaders have been accused of siding with Zanu PF, a move which was later to be confirmed by Chief Fortune Charumbira, president of the chief’s council during the on-going Zanu PF conference when he openly pledged support to the former ruling party.
Negomo’s actions have attracted serious criticism from other traditional leaders saying his action was politically-driven. Daily News
