Two chiefs, Chikwanda of Masvingo and Nyakuchena of Mudzi, who preside over traditional jurisdictions in their respective areas, are reportedly working as bodyguards for the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, following their controversial recent appointments.
The two were seen accompanying Garwe in Masvingo two weeks ago, acting as part of his security detail.
The chiefs, Keith Karinda Chimbangu (Chief Nyakuchena) and Silas Chikwanda (Chief Chikwanda), are also said to be members of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), roles they allegedly continue to hold alongside their traditional leadership positions.
Legal experts have described the arrangement as not only undermining the dignity of the office of traditional leaders but also potentially unconstitutional, saying it raises serious concerns about conflict of interest and abuse of office.
They argue that the President of the Chiefs’ Council has a duty to raise the matter with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Lawyer Aleck Muchadehama told Masvingo Mirror that Section 282 of the Constitution prohibits chiefs who are full-time government appointees from holding other positions, warning that the arrangement appears to be in breach of the law.
“My understanding is that chiefs are appointed on a full-time basis to administer governance and justice at the local level, and thus they get monthly stipends and vehicles from the Government. Chiefs have to be grounded in the communities that they are appointed to serve,” said Muchadehama.
“Section 282 of the Constitution bars chiefs from being partisan, which Constitutional Amendment Bill (CAB) Number 3 seeks to overturn. Once appointed, you can’t be a civil servant.”
Constitutional lawyer Lovemore Madhuku described the arrangement as “absolute madness” in an interview with Masvingo Mirror.
He accused Garwe of acting in a conflict of interest by recommending the appointment of individuals within his own office as chiefs.
Madhuku also said the development reflects corrupt tendencies in the way the chiefs were appointed.
“You cannot be a chief and be gainfully employed by the government. The Minister is demeaning the office of chiefs, and he acted wrongly by recommending individuals in his office to be appointed as chiefs,” said Madhuku.
“This shows corrupt tendencies in the appointment of the two chiefs. This is absolute madness.”
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