KING Munhumutapa, born Timothy Chiminya, has opposed a High Court application by the Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs ministry challenging his position.
Chiminya obtained an order of the High Court issued by Justice Piscilla Manongwa-Munangati.
In her judgment, Justice Manongwa-Munangati ordered the ministry to pay Chiminya his outstanding wages and allowances as King Munhumutapa.
However, the ministry sought a rescission of the judgment after the government labelled him an impostor.
Chiminya, who appeared before Justice Siyabona Musithu on Tuesday, opposed the application by the ministry.
Chiminya argued that Zanu PF acknowledged him as King Munhumutapa by using him to perform rituals for the ruling party.
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Justice Musithu ordered that the matter should proceed to trial.
The Justice ministry recently issued a statement saying the Constitution does not have a provision for kings.
The ministry said Chiminya’s claim to be King Munhumutapa was, therefore, unconstitutional and a nullity.
“Section 283(a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No 20) Act of 2013 as read with sections 3(1) and (2) of the Traditional Leaders Act [Chapter 29:17] provides that; ‘the appointment, removal and suspension of chiefs must be done by the President on the recommendation of the Provincial Assembly of Chiefs through the National Council of Chiefs and the minister responsible for traditional leaders and in accordance with the prevailing traditional practices and traditions of the communities concerned’,” the ministry said.
The Local Government and Public Works ministry issued a follow-up statement denouncing Chiminya as an impostor.
“In the spirit of ensuring the whole of government approach, ministries, departments and agencies are urged to liaise with the ministry when engaging with the traditional leadership institution so that the public is not misinformed.
“The public is urged to report this impostor to law enforcement agents when approached in their communities,” the ministry said.
Chiminya has since sued the Local Government and Public Works ministry for US$100 000 for calling him an impostor in a separate matter at the High Court.
King Munhumutapa, also known as Mwenemutapa, was the ruler of the ancient Kingdom of Mutapa (sometimes referred to as the Mutapa Empire), which existed in what is now modern-day Zimbabwe and extended to parts of Mozambique.