Timothy Chiminya, who claims to be King Munhumutapa, was arrested and detained by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on costs of undermining the authority of or insulting President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Chiminya’s arrest occurred on December 16, when law enforcement officials accused him of appearing unlawfully and inflicting ridicule to President Mnangagwa. The self-styled king allegedly appointed chiefs, a activity reportedly reserved for the chief of the ruling Zanu-PF get together.

Chiminya, represented by Gift Mtisi of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, faces further accusations of dethroning chiefs appointed by President Mnangagwa in numerous components of Zimbabwe.

On December 18, Chiminya appeared earlier than Harare Magistrate Sheunesu Matova and was remanded in custody till January 7, 2025. The delay permits for 2 medical docs to conduct a psychological well being analysis on Chiminya, as requested by prosecutors.

Chiminya has continually asserted {that a} High Court ruling in September 2022 unified all chiefs in Zimbabwe beneath his authority. He demanded cooperation from conventional leaders and cost of excellent wages from the federal government.

In a letter to the president of chiefs, Mtshana Khumalo, dated August 15, 2024, Chiminya acknowledged that the ruling required all chiefs, headmen, and sabhukus to be accredited by King Munhumutapa, who would have the ultimate say in issues associated to conventional management.

He claimed the choice aimed to advertise unity, peace, and cooperation amongst conventional leaders in Zimbabwe.

Chiminya famous that the native authorities had didn’t defend the case, resulting in the High Court granting the choice in favour of King Munhumutapa. He urged cooperation and respect for the High Court judgement, citing the significance of working collectively in direction of a standard objective.

In one other letter dated August 19, 2024, directed to the Ministry of Local Government, Chiminya demanded his excellent wages.

He referenced a court docket order, Case No. HC3981/22, granted in Harare on September 28, 2022, and threatened to take additional authorized motion if the cost was not made inside 14 days.

However, in May 2024, Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe disowned Chiminya, stating that he was an impostor for the reason that Constitution had no provision for a monarch.

Garwe acknowledged that Chiminya’s declare was unconstitutional and subsequently a nullity.