The Government has warned members of the public against impersonating traditional leaders or falsely claiming to represent them following allegations that a man in Midlands Province has been masquerading as a representative of Chief Chiwundura.
Chief Director responsible for Traditional Leaders Support Services in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Felix Chikovo, said Wellington Tavengwa had no authority to act on behalf of the chief and warned that such actions are illegal.
Chikovo said Tavengwa had been falsely presenting himself as a representative of the chief, whose birth name is Abedinico Tavengwa, despite there being no legal provision allowing such a proxy under the law governing traditional leadership.
“We do not have a proxy under Chief Chiwundura and whoever is claiming that title is a criminal,” said Chikovo.
In a letter dated May 20, 2025 addressed to Midlands Acting Local Government Director, Chalton Murove, Chikovo directed authorities to remove Tavengwa from acting as a representative of the chief.
The letter cited concerns raised by a member of the Chiwundura family, Sarudzai, who alleged that the chief had effectively been placed under house arrest by his son.
“We have received very disturbing news from one Sarudzai, a member of the Chiwundura family about the alleged house arrest of Chief Chiwundura by his son Wellington Tavengwa,” Chikovo wrote.
“It is alleged that Chief Chiwundura is not feeling well and his son took advantage of his father’s illness and made him sign papers consenting that he appointed him as a proxy due to his illnesses.”
Chikovo said the move violated provisions of the Traditional Leaders Act, which states that when a chief becomes incapacitated, arrangements for discharging their duties should be determined according to customary law.
“It is clear that the chief’s son imposed himself as the proxy against customary law,” part of the letter reads.
The community alleged that the recently installed chief has been confined to his home due to illness, while his son has allegedly been performing the chief’s duties and using a Government-issued Isuzu vehicle allocated to the traditional leader.
However, Tavengwa defended his actions, saying he was merely assisting his father who is unable to carry out his responsibilities.
“Yes, I am the chief’s representative and I am doing all his duties on his behalf because he is incapacitated. He is bedridden and he cannot discharge his duties,” he said.
The developments have sparked concern among members of the Chiwundura community, some of whom claim Tavengwa may be attempting to gain influence and authority within the area despite lacking official recognition.
