As the dispute unfolds, the Independent has learnt that the local authority’s housing and community services committee this week deferred discussions over the contentious matter.

Group Captain Ben Munyanduki and Wing Commander Daniel Manyenga died in the accident, which saw the aircraft crash into a power line.

The sources, in separate briefings questioned the “legality” of Harare City Council to continue levying tariffs from residents for a service that it would no longer be providing.

Chiwenga is seen in some quarters as the 81 year-old ruler’s natural successor, but some of the Zanu PF leader’s loyalists want him to hang on to power.

Birth registration is a legal right in Zimbabwe and the government makes it a requirement for every citizen to possess a birth registration certificate and eventually a national identity card.