MASVINGO – A chief has summoned MDC-T MP for Masvingo Central Jefferson Chitando on charges of causing “disharmony” in his area.
Chief Murinye, whose given name is Ephias Munodawafa, issued the summons after the MP recently held a well attended rally at Chenhowe business centre. In the summons, the traditional leader ordered the MP to pay two beats and a goat, as well as $5 for the court to sit on April 1.
Part of the summons dated March 17 signed by Chief Murinye and written in Shona, read: “You are being summoned to my court for distributing your party’s material in my area with the intention of causing disharmony among my people. I want two beasts, a goat and $5 for the court (to sit).”
But Chitando vowed not to attend the hearing, arguing the chief was pursuing a political agenda. “I will not attend his court,” the MP said.
“This is now a political war.
“I am no longer taking him as a traditional leader, but as an ambassador of Zanu PF.
“This is no longer traditional. In this case, he is the complainant and the presiding officer.”
This is the second time the MP has been summoned to appear before the traditional leader.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Last year, Chitando was accused of undermining the chief’s authority and insulting him. But the MP refused to appear before the chief saying he was not under the traditional leader’s jurisdiction.
“I do not have a structure or own a field in the area. My father has a homestead there, but I no longer live in his area. So this is null and void. Maybe this is an April Fool’s Day joke.”
