Tawanda Homba
Masvingo- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Petros Murombe Mahwekwe as substantive Chief Bere.
A letter dated February 7, 2026 signed by Acting Masvingo District Development Coordinator Joyce Chikugu and in possession of The Midweek Watch confirmed the appointment.
“We are pleased to advise that His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde Dr E.D Mnangagwa has in terms of Section 4 (1) of the Traditional Leaders Act ( Chapter 29:17) duly appointed Petros Murombe Mahwekwe as substantive Chief Bere with Effect from February 7,2026 ,” reads part of the letter.
Family spokesperson David Jani Masomere confirmed the appointment in a telephone interview with The Midweek Watch.
“Yes it’s true that Mahwekwe has been appointed as substantive Chief Bere. He is the eldest member of the family and we want to thank Government for its commitment in preserving our cultural values and norms. We also want to thank the Local Government Ministry for this timely appointment.
“We are waiting for the installation date scheduled for next month and we are busy preparing for the ceremony,” he said.
Phineas Tafirei Junior has been acting Chief Bere following the death of his father Phineas Tafirei who died in 2021.
The late Chief Bere was installed in 2019, becoming the first chief of the clan in 125 years after the colonial government banished the chieftainshp for resisting Rhodesian rule.
The Bere chieftainship which is of the Shumba totem stretches from Mashava to the west and Bhuka in the South -East and borders Zimuto, Charumbira and Chivi chieftainships.
