By Brighton Chiseva
ZAKA – A Tsigo Village businessman, Kudakwashe Zhangare, claims that Chief Nhema born Rangarirai Bwawanda and his messengers confiscated property thousands of dollars from his shop at Sokutamba Business Center in Ward 14, demanding US$100 for operating a shopping centre in the area without the traditional leader’s approval.
Zhangare, who established the pole-and-mud shop in 2022 after consulting local village heads, said he had followed due process by engaging Councillor Boas Museki and obtaining permission from the Zaka Rural District Council (RDC).
Zhangare claims the centre was created to serve villages including Tsigo, Chiwawa, Rwezuva, Mabva, Njenjere, and Tadzivirirwa, where residents previously travelled long distances for basic goods.
“The village heads advised me to involve the councillor, which I did. I was directed to Zaka RDC, presented my case, and was allowed to operate while awaiting formal regularization,” Zhangare explained.
He had since begun upgrading the structure and business was thriving until Chief Nhema allegedly demanded US$100, claiming the businessman had established the centre without his knowledge.
While Zhangare was still gathering the money having raised US$75, the chief’s messengers reportedly raided his shop, confiscating a snooker table, fridge, groceries, door frames, and doors.
“My wife called the chief to enquire after they had confiscated the goods, but he denied receiving the goods and said he would investigate,” Zhangare said.
Contacted for comment by TellZim News, Chief Nhema said he was not home and had no enough knowledge about what happened. He asked the reporter to get in touch over the weekend where he will be home and have got more information.
“I am not home, get in touch over the weekend I would have gone home and I can then answer you,” said Nhema.
One of the messengers who was alleged to be part of the messenders only identified as Burari, admitted awareness of the incident but denied involvement saying it was his colleagues who had done the operation.
“I was not there. I just heard about it. Come on Saturday, and I will show you my colleagues who went there,” he told TellZim News, though he declined to name those responsible when pressed.
The incident has raised concerns among locals about the challenges faced by small-scale entrepreneurs operating in rural areas, where traditional authority and local governance often overlap, sometimes leading to conflict and uncertainty.
