MIDWEEK REPORTER
HARARE-THE ONGOING Nemamwa chieftainship saga has taken a new twist following Justice Munangati Manongwa’s judgment on March 5, 2025.
The judgment overturned the earlier one that had been issued against the applicant, Jimmy Matambo a claimant to the Nemamwa chieftainship in favour of Tranos Manjiva.
“Whereupon, after reading documents filed of record and hearing counsel, it is ordered that: 1. The application for rescission of a default judgment granted on 16 July 2024 in HCH3904/23 be and is hereby granted. 2. Each party to bear its own costs,” reads the judgment.
The defendants in the case included President Mnangagwa, Masvingo Provincial chiefs council and the Minister of Local Government and Public Construction.
The Nemamwa chieftainship was revived in 2022 by President Mnangagwa and Tranos Manjiva was installed as chief but was challenged by Jimmy Matambo who claimed to be the rightful heir to the throne.
In 2023 a consent order was granted where both parties agreed that the appointment of Manjiva must be nullified, but he continued to act in bad faith by calling himself Chief Nemamwa.
The Manjiva camp approached the court in 2024 and mysteriously got a default judgment restoring him as Chief Nemamwa.
Matambo appealed against the default judgment, which was granted on Wednesday, effectively dethroning Manjiva from the seat and paving the way the Masvingo Provincial chiefs council to appoint an acting chief or substantive one through the normal procedure.
Manjiva’s application for rescission of the 2023 consent order is now open for hearing at a later date if he so wishes to pursue the matter.
