The dispute over the legitimacy of Chief Chikwaka, also known as Murambiwa Witness Bungu, came perilously close to impacting ZANU PF’s performance in the entire Goromonzi district during the recent general elections, villagers have said.
In a tightly contested electoral battle, ZANU PF secured 12,072 and 14,546 votes in Goromonzi West and Goromonzi North, respectively. They narrowly defeated the main opposition CCC, which garnered 10,692 and 10,881 votes in the same constituencies. In Goromonzi South, CCC secured the seat with 16,312 votes, just edging past ZANU PF’s 15,216 votes.
Addressing the media, villagers told journalists that the ongoing controversy and allegations surrounding Chief Chikwaka’s legitimacy played a role in the 2023 parliamentary elections.
One villager stated, “We almost lost this district to the opposition, as clearly demonstrated by the narrow margins. People are not happy with how he is ruling, and he does not exhibit any leadership qualities besides being illegitimate.”
Local headmen also demanded, “He (Bungu) should come and follow the protocol in line with our traditions regarding how a chief assumes that position,” during a recent gathering (dare).
Last year, in a letter addressed to the Local Government ministry in February 2022 through legal representatives from Matsikidze Attorneys, the villagers called for the removal of Chief Chikwaka, underscoring the importance of resolving the chieftainship matter.
In addition to the legitimacy controversy, Chief Chikwaka faced allegations of extorting villagers, a matter which was before the courts. Villagers argued that these allegations reveal a more profound issue and signal a lack of moral authority in their chief.
In a letter to Local Government Minister July Moyo in December 2021, concerned villagers raised questions about Chief Chikwaka’s legitimacy.
They stated, “It was also discovered through the elders and the spirit medium that the current chief is an illegitimate child and is, therefore, not the rightful heir to the Chikwaka chieftainship. Cultural procedures are of paramount importance to the sanctity of the Chikwaka chieftainship, safeguarding the throne’s royalty so that it cannot be seized by force to rule over the Chikwaka people.”
