Masvingo Correspondent
Villagers in Gutu East are outraged over acting Chief Chitsa’s alleged extortion of money through various levies, including $10 for every burial and $15 for each tombstone unveiling.
The villagers, already struggling with school fees and food due to the devastating El Nino-induced drought, claim Chief Chitsa is worsening their situation.
Allegations Against Chief Chitsa
- Collected $10 per village from 120 villages since 2019 for an annual traditional festival, but only bought one beast and kept the rest for personal use.
- Collected $15 per village in 2020 to buy cement for bridge rehabilitation, but nothing was done.
- Collected $2,400 from 2022-2023 for a ZimParks program to deal with marauding hyenas, but the project never started.
Chief Chitsa denies the allegations, stating they are the work of his enemies. However, a prominent Masvingo lawyer says that under the Traditional Leaders’ Act, chiefs have no authority to raise money in this manner.
The Council of Advisers has also accused Chief Chitsa of corrupt behavior, urging him to stop swindling and abusing struggling villagers. Provincial Chiefs Council Chairperson Chief Chitanga claims he is unaware of the issue.
As tensions rise, the villagers and Chief Chitsa’s advisers await a resolution to this contentious matter.
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