By Brighton Chiseva
A deep crisis of leadership and trust is unfolding in Chief Chimombe’s area of Gutu, where Acting Chief Chimombe born Muzvare Rutsate Muzondo faces serious allegations from his own family over missing funds intended for his late father’s tombstone.
At the same time, villagers are protesting what they describe as coercive financial demands for the memorial and police toilets.
The scandal deepened when a family member, speaking anonymously for fear of victimization, revealed that the family only learned of the fundraising efforts through the media. The source emphasized that the decision to solicit funds was solely the acting chief’s and not a collective family resolution.
“The entire family is deeply disappointed. We purchased the tombstone in Harare ourselves for US$550. Infact one of the chief’s granddaughter based in Australia is the one who funded for the purchase.
The acting chief did not contribute a single cent, nor did he attend the unveiling ceremony on October 10. If he collected money from villagers for this purpose, as we have heard, he must explain where it has gone. This is not just about money, it’s about disrespecting our patriarchy.”
The allegations were however in contrast to the acting chief’s reported fundraising efforts, which included instructing each village under his jurisdiction to contribute US$12 toward the memorial service and tombstone unveiling. Households were also levied an additional US$5 plus a six-pack of Chibuku Super beer.
Asked for comment by TellZim News Chief Chimombe denied requesting any contributions for the tombstone.
“I never asked for anything for the tombstone unveiling. I only know that we asked villagers to fund the toilets at the police camp, as requested, and this was not limited to my area alone but included other chiefs,” he said.
Regarding his absence from the tombstone unveiling where he was expected to receive his father’s chieftainship rod as per tradition, Chimombe claimed he had a chiefs’ meeting in Masvingo that the entire family knew about. He dismissed other allegations as lies meant to tarnish his image.
“I had a chiefs’ meeting in Masvingo that the whole family knew about, all that you hear from my clansmen are lies meant to tarnish my image,” he said.
However, family members noted that his absence was not surprising. The late chief died on July 1 and was buried on July 5. The acting chief, who was present the entire day, refused to be part of the burial process,” said one family member.
Rodger Marozhe, an aide to the chief, had earlier confirmed the requests for contributions but downplayed their compulsory nature. “Chief Chimombe is not forcing anyone to contribute. He only asked those who are able to participate in the Manyaradzo (memorial ceremony) for his late father. Each village is requested to pay US$12, with some contributions also meant for the construction of toilets at Bhasera Police Station,” he said Marozhe.
Sources further revealed that the acting chief backed down from his demands after TellZim News published a story on the issue, drawing scrutiny from authorities.
