SYDNEY MUBAIWA
GWERU- Family members from the Chiwundura chieftainship have written a letter to the Local Government Ministry lodging a complaint on the conduct of Wellington Mnukwa who is illegally representating Chief Chiwundura.
In a letter dated 16 March, 2026, the family seeks an urgent investigation by the ministry saying the development has caused serious problems within the Chiwundura community.
“We the undersigned members of Chiwundura clan family, write to formally lodge a complaint regarding the conduct and activities of Mr Wellington Mnukwa, who is currently presenting himself as a representative or proxy of Chief Chiwundura, born Abedinigo Tavengwa.
“This development has caused serious concerns within the Chiwundura clan family and the wider community as no family meeting, customary consultation, or lawful process was conducted to appoint Mr .Wellington Mnukwa to act on behalf of Chief Chiwundura,” reads part of the letter.
The family members argued that, under Section 47 of the Traditional Leaders Act (Chapter 29:17), where a chief becomes incapacitated, the functions of the office must be discharged by a person determined according to customary law.
“In the case of the Chiwundura chieftainshp, such determination must involve the Chiwundura clan family and recognised customary processes governing the institution of the chiefdom.
“We therefore wish to state unequivocally that the Chiwundura clan family did not appoint, endorse or recognise Mr .Wellington Mnukwa as a proxy, representative or acting authority of Chief Chiwundura,” further reads the papers in the hands of The Midweek Watch.
The concerned family members further stated that they are worried that Mnukwa fraudulently obtained the papers from the newly installed Chief Chiwundura who is not feeling well.
“We are equally concerned by allegations circulating within the community, suggesting that Chief Chiwundura may currently be unwell and vulnerable, and that his documents may have been taken from him under circumstances that require careful scrutiny,” further reads the letter.
In an interview with The Midweek Watch, Chief Director in charge of Traditional Leaders Support Services in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Felix Chikovo said his office was going to investigate the matter. He said there was no proxy under Chief Chiwundura and Wellington’s activities were subject to criminality.
“We do not have a proxy under Chief Chiwundura and whoever is claiming that title is a criminal. We are seized with the matter and we are going to investigate the issue,” he said.
Wellington confirmed that he was Chief Chiwundura’s representative but could not give details on who appointed him.
“I am Chiwundura’s representative. I am carrying out all his duties on his behalf because he is incapacitated and bedridden. He can’t discharge his duties due to his condition,” he said.
