Chief Makoni Thrown Under The Bus

By Shingirai Vambe

The long-standing wrangle in Rusape’s 5 Chief has been brought to an end after the President, His Excellence CDE Emmerson D. Mnangagwa intervened and through the parent Ministry, Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, issued a letter, implementing the general notice 335/18.

The new development came at a time when Chief Makoni, (Cogen Gwasira) had placed himself as the Paramount Chief of Makoni District, being above the other 4 Chiefs, Tandi, Chiduku, Chipunza and Chikore.

The letter read: As you may be aware that implementation of General Notice 335 of 2018 which gazette resettlement areas under the authority of traditional leaders in Makoni District had been put on hold by His Excellence the President pending further clarifications. Issues were clarified at State House on October 16 2024, and it was agreed that all the respective Chiefs proceed to propose lower tier structures in the manner of herdspersons and village heads in areas designated to each Chieftainship which be approved by the Ministry.

Makoni had taken a step forward, installing his herdsman and village heads without the approval of the ministry, and some have since been arrested and appeared before the courts of law for misrepresentation and accessing and or make shifting badges, which is against the law.

The boundary dispute between the 5 Chiefs was brought to an end and the President, overlooked his close relationship with Gwasira. After the 2004 proclamation, of having Makoni being called Rusape District, following this current development, after the wrangle, the district is now Rusape District, removing the name ‘Makoni’ which contributed to the wrangle.

Earlier the Government released a Gazette with boundaries of each one of the chiefs. Some are still in denial mode while others celebrate their freedom from Gwasira who allegedly over charged misruled majority of those whom he had summoned before his court.

Speaking at a gathering in Headlands, Herdman Tendai

Kanyangarara said one of his villagers was fined all the livestock, counted to 14 both cows and goats. And in some instances, presidential input schemes where also recovered from one of the villagers as fine.

Villagers who spoke to this publication during Chief Chipunza, Mhina tour, said they were confused and worried if the outcome was going to be against the 4 Chiefs.