Ousted Chief Ndiweni Wants Chief Charumbira Punished For Involvement In Politics
Ousted Ntabazinduna chief, Nhlanhlayamangwe Felix Ndiweni, has said National Chiefs’ Council president, Fortune Charumbira has to be punished for involvement in politics.
The United Kingdom-based Ndiweni speaks after Charumbira claimed that the traditional leaders own the ruling ZANU-PF.
Charumbira made the averment while addressing delegates at the just ended ZANU-PF annual conference in Bindura.
Ndiweni who is also the chairperson of the college of chiefs said Charumbira’s statement is against the will of the people. He said:
It is an error for one to think that Chief, Amakhosi are enthroned by the government of the day. That view shows a lack of knowledge and understanding, on the part of the individual who thinks that view is correct. For that individual, indeed the Almighty in his wisdom, has denied that individual wisdom and knowledge.
The people of this country spoke very loudly in the 2013 constitution; they were very clear that they did not want chiefs and traditional leaders to be involved in partisan politics. Yes they can comment upon the government of the day, current affairs and on politics in general but they cannot get involved in partisan politics that is supporting a particular political party.
It is not clear whether he (Charumbira) actually did publicly withdraw those statements till this day. He has once again made those same statements in public. In this regard, Charumbira must be taken back to the courts for the contempt of court. On this occasion, the court must be asked to effect a custodial sentence upon him as a restraining order.
In May 2018, the High Court of Zimbabwe ordered Charumbira to withdraw a statement, he made the previous year where he urged chiefs all over the country to support the ruling party in the 2018 general election.
Ndiweni was removed as the traditional ruler of the Ndiweni Chieftainship in 2019, a move that was viewed by some as punishment for being critical of President Mnangagwa’s administration, and inviting other sanctions upon Zimbabwe.
ZANU PF accused him of being involved in politics after he attended MDC Alliance events and offered land to the party to construct its cemetery.
More: NewZimbabwe
