The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
CONTROVERSY and a Chipinge traditional leader are inseparable.
Chief Mupungu, born Happyson Nxumalo of Makoho in Chipinge South is on the police wanted list for allegedly assaulting his cousin, Mr Timothy Mupungu, following a misunderstanding over the chieftainship.
In 2019, Chief Mupungu made headlines after selling the brand new Isuzu double cab vehicle that had been allocated to him by the Government.
He was given a Honda Fit and US$3 000 as payment for the Isuzu vehicle by an ex-police officer based at Checheche Growth Point. Two years later, Chief Mupungu is at it again after assaulting his cousin.
Although the matter is yet to be brought before the courts, Mr Mupungu was examined at Chipinge District Hospital and a medical report was produced.
Mr Mupungu is said to have sustained serious injuries as a result of the assault. Chipinge District police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Jowert Kamera confirmed the incident and said investigations are in progress. “We cannot say much on the issue as police are on the ground recording statements. Police in Chisumbanje are handling the case and we will avail more details upon completion of investigations,” he said.Early this year, the Mupungu family was up in arms over the chieftainship, with some family members questioning Nxumalo’s credibility as the traditional leader.
As things came to a boil, Mr Mupungu had to approach the courts for a protection order against the traditional leader.
The matter was supposed to be heard last week at Chipinge Civil Court, but was rolled over to a later date in April due to Covid-19 regulations. In an interview with The Manica Post, Mr Mpungu said there is bad blood between him and the chief.
“We are at loggerheads over the chieftainship. He recently assaulted me at Makoho Business Centre. He bashed me with a stone and I sustained a deep cut and bled profusely. I lost a lot of blood and also lost consciousness. I only regained consciousness at Mabee Health Centre where well-wishers had to rush me .
‘‘We engaged the police and tried to find a lasting solution, but the chief is always away in Mozambique as our area is near the border,” he said. Contacted for a comment, Chief Mpungu said Mr Mupungu and his colleagues are trying to snatch the chieftainship from him.
“They are trying to do everything to interfere with my reign as well as tarnish my image. I am the bonafide chief of this area. I was installed by the Government after all due processes were done. I never assaulted Timothy, in fact, he is the one who has always been aggressive towards me,” he said.
