Harare- THE Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe has issued a firm and comprehensive rebuttal against what he terms “baseless, malicious, and politically motivated allegations” circulating regarding the appointment of traditional leaders. He said on the alleged “fraudulent” appointment of Silas Chikwanda, he clarified that all chieftainship appointments follow a strict, consultative process guided by the Traditional Leaders Act. “The ministry does not and cannot, unilaterally ‘install’ a chief.
” The process is deeply rooted in community consultation, genealogical audits, and the cultural rites of the specific community. Any suggestion of forgery or bypassing of His Excellency’s authority is a serious criminal allegation for which the authors provide not a shred of evidence.” On the Situation in Mhondoro Chivero, he said that the government’s role is to uphold and facilitate customary processes, not to suppress them. “In Mhondoro Chivero, as in all areas, our duty is to ensure that the legitimate cultural institutions, such as the recognized house of Samagadza, are allowed to exercise their role without external interference.
The government registers and gazettes outcomes; it does not create them. The claim of suppression is a complete inversion of the truth.” He added that on other named cases, regarding mentions of a “Keith Chimbangu” Chief Nyakuchena in Mudzi and other villages, the Minister stated, “My office handles dozens of succession cases with utmost diligence. It is regrettable that individuals who may be dissatisfied with the lawful and cultural outcomes of these processes resort to character assassination.
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“My office is always open to legitimate, evidence-based inquiry, not anonymous defamation.” Minister Garwe took the opportunity to reiterate the government’s respect for traditional institutions. “The chieftainship is the bedrock of our cultural heritage. It is not a tool for political gain nor a prize for personal enrichment.
My ministry’s mandate is to protect this institution from exactly this kind of corrosive gossip and ambition.” He warned that such unfounded allegations threaten social harmony. “By recklessly accusing government officials of ‘chiokomuhomwe’ (corruption) in these sacred processes, the authors seek to breed distrust between communities, their leaders, and the state. This is unacceptable.” Minister Garwe said by challenging the originators of the allegations to act lawfully.
“If the writers of this statement possess any concrete evidence of criminal misconduct—forged signatures or documents—as they boldly claim, I urge them in the name of justice to present this evidence to the relevant investigative authorities immediately. My office has nothing to hide and operates entirely within the bounds of the law.” “Until such evidence is formally presented, these remarks remain what they are: a cowardly attempt at political sabotage using the good names of our communities and traditional leaders as a battleground. My focus remains on serving the people of Zimbabwe with integrity and upholding the laws of our land.”
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