The Case of the "King Munhumutapa": High Court Overturns Conviction of Timothy Chiminya

The Zimbabwean legal landscape recently witnessed a significant turn of events with the acquittal of Timothy Chiminya, a traditional healer better known by his title, "King Munhumutapa." After a high-profile legal battle involving allegations of undermining presidential authority and usurping constitutional powers, the High Court has officially overturned his conviction and sentence, allowing Chiminya to walk free.

The Initial Conviction and Allegations

The legal saga began when Chiminya was arrested in 2025 and brought before the Harare Magistrate's Court. The prosecution, led by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), argued that Chiminya had insulted President Emmerson Mnangagwa by claiming the divine authority to appoint and dethrone traditional leaders—a power reserved for the President under the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the Traditional Leaders Act.

Specific allegations detailed a series of appointments made between June and October 2024. The state claimed that Chiminya had announced the dethroning of Chief Seke, replacing him with Masimba Rubatika, and had further appointed Julius Chimbi as Chief Chigegwe, Hama Piki in Chirumhanzu, and Chief Nyakunhuwa in Zaka. The NPA contended that by declaring himself a monarch chosen by a spirit medium, Chiminya was establishing "parallel structures" that ridiculed the office of the President and threatened the established order of traditional governance.

Presiding Magistrate Isheanesu Matova initially found Chiminya guilty, handing down a 10-month prison sentence, with two months suspended.

Judicial History and the Battle for Bail

Throughout the trial, the question of Chiminya's liberty was a point of contention. Magistrate Matova initially denied bail, labeling Chiminya a "security threat" whose actions and claims of royal authority had the potential to spark localized conflicts.

However, this decision was later challenged in the High Court. Justice Faith Mushure eventually granted Chiminya bail pending his appeal at a cost of US$200. The bail came with strict conditions, including a restriction to a 25-kilometre radius from the Harare Central Police Station, a requirement to report to the police twice a week, the surrender of his passport, and an order to stay away from all state witnesses.

The High Court Appeal and Final Acquittal

The case eventually reached High Court judges Maxwell Takuva and Benjamin Chikowero for a final appeal. Upon reviewing the merits of the conviction and the legal arguments presented regarding the alleged undermining of presidential authority, the bench reached a decisive conclusion.

The judges ruled that the appeal was allowed, stating, "The conviction is quashed and the sentence set aside." With those words, the court found Chiminya not guilty and officially acquitted him of all charges.

This ruling marks the end of a controversial chapter involving the intersection of traditional beliefs, modern constitutional law, and the limits of executive authority. Timothy Chiminya, having successfully challenged the state's case, now returns to his community with his conviction fully cleared.