Harare Correspondent
BUHERA, ZIMBABWE – Villagers in Buhera’s Chief Nyashanu area are demanding action against Headman Chimombe (born Manhando Chimombe), accusing him of exploiting bereaved families by imposing exorbitant levies, including a total of US$75, to permit and attend tombstone unveiling ceremonies.
Residents allege Headman Chimombe enforces a strict fee structure:
· US$10 for notifying him of the ceremony (kusuma)
· US$40 for his attendance (yestoka)
· US$15 for a crate of drinks
· US$15 to notify the local village head
“This is a burden on top of another burden,” lamented one villager, speaking anonymously for fear of retaliation.
“We struggle to raise money for the tombstone itself, only to face these crippling demands from our traditional leader. He refuses permission and boycotts the ceremony if we don’t pay.”
Headman Denies, Admits Variable Charges Contacted for comment
Headman Chimombe vehemently denied the US$75 allegations, calling them a plot to remove him from his position. He presented a different fee schedule:
· US$10 for notification (kusuma)
· US$10 for travel
· US$5 to notify the village head
· Total: US$25
However, Chimombe conceded he sometimes charges more:
“I only charge US$25… If the distance is long, I might charge a bit more for transport, but it is never more than US$30.”
Chief Nyashanu Condemns Practice as “Outrageous Exploitation”
Chief Nyashanu, under whose authority Headman Chimombe serves, expressed outrage at the reported US$75 fee, calling it exploitative and unacceptable.
“This practice is unheard of,”Chief Nyashanu stated.
“We will not tolerate such exploitation in our community. I agreed with all Headmen under me that they should only be given US$10 for notification purposes, whether for tombstones or funerals. Families should refuse to pay any amount beyond that.”
The Chief urged affected families to report overcharging directly to him, signaling potential disciplinary action against Chimombe.
Broader Pattern of Traditional Leader Levies Emerges
This incident highlights a concerning trend.
Sources cited similar accusations against other traditional leaders, including Chief Chitsa (alleged US$15 “grave levy”) and then-acting Chief Nyamundi, Siyano Machaya (accused of charging villagers US$137 to hear a case).
The allegations raise questions about the regulation of fees charged by traditional authorities, particularly to vulnerable families during times of grief.
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