… 12 Village heads want Chief Nhema to be stopped
By Itai Muzondo
Three legislators from Zaka district have approached their District Administrator (DA) to register their anger against Ranganai Bwawanda who is the current Chief Nhema whom they are accusing of gross abuse of office and human rights violations.
The three MPs Robson Mavhenyengwa (Zaka North), Paradza Chakona (Zaka Central) and Samson Mukanduri (Zaka East) said Chief Nhema was abusing his powers by unnecessarily charging and harassing innocent villagers.
About twelve village heads have also approached the DA saying they were no longer able to work with the youthful Chief Nhema.
Mavhenyengwa said Nhema was very exploitative since he demands money to carry out his traditional duties.
“The chief is that type who can charge you exorbitant money on duties he must do as a Chief. Most of the things he does can even be equated to corruption as he demanded a non-accountable beast from me personally the time I was elected M.P.,” said Mavhenyengwa.
Chakona also had unbearable sentiments for the Chief as he lamented that he hinders developmental activities by creating political mayhem, a different scenario with the other chiefs in the area.
“Chief Nhema interferes in political affairs. You will be surprised to realise that he commands that M.P’s should come from this area. If left unchallenged, it will not surprise to hear him saying that the country’s President should come from his area.
“Right now he has already started gathering his candidates to campaign for in preparation for 2018 elections. This has greatly disturbed development as his candidates via his backup disrupt whatever programmes we plan to benefit our constituencies,” said Chakona.
MP Paradza Chakona
However, Zaka D.A Tapso Chivanga said he was also having problems in working with Nhema. He said the Chief was very arrogant and greedy.
“The current chief we have now is so inconsiderate and greedy. It is a very bad start especially for an uninstalled Chief who should be fighting his way for the people’s favour. Most people are discontent of his leadership,” said Chivanga.
Village head Peter Murefu further complained saying it is now hard to differentiate if his office is either profit making or serving the mandated cause to the people under his chieftainship.
“It is very hard to differentiate whether the chief is there to claim profits and enrich himself or serving people,” said Murefu.
Ward 5 Councillor Rangarirai Vangirai disclosed he was surprised when the chief claimed that all plough back money for all 12 wards from Zaka Rural District Council should be sent to his account.
However, Nhema could not be reached for comment since his mobile went unanswered on Monday.Local