From the people of Magudu.
In the quiet but resolute valleys of Magudu, where ancestry speaks through custom and law breathes through tradition, a grave injustice arose an injustice that demanded not whispers, but the full voice of the law.
Martin Tyelele, Charles Magudu, and Mikia Mangezi stand accused of unlawfully personifying traditional authority, thereby undermining and eroding the legitimate and lawfully constituted headmanship of Cover Mugwadhi, the duly selected and installed Headman of the Magudu community.
Their actions brazen, persistent, and unlawful have compelled the Mugwadhi family to seek redress before the High Court of Zimbabwe, where justice now awaits its solemn hour between February and March.
THE LAW AND THE FACTS
Following the death of the late Headman Lion Magudu, who served the Magudu people with honor from 2011 until 2016, Martin Tyelele was appointed custodian (sarapavana) of the chieftainship. His mandate, however, was strictly temporary.
In clear terms, Section 17 of the Traditional Leaders Act [Chapter 29:17] provides that a custodian shall not exceed two years while facilitating the lawful selection of a substantive traditional leader. Yet, in defiance of statute and spirit alike, Martin Tyelele unlawfully remained in custody for eight long years, clinging to authority never meant to be permanent.
THE LAWFUL SELECTION PROCESS
In August 2023, in the at Sorogwe townships the wheels of legality finally turned.
A formal, transparent, and inclusive selection process was convened under the authority of the District Development Coordinator (DDC), acting on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe. Present were:
Officials from the President’s Office
Zimbabwe Republic Police officers ensuring peace and order
Representatives of neighboring traditional authorities, including Muchibwa and Maregere headman ships
A representative of Chief Nyajena
All tribal families forming the Magudu lineage
Notably, Martin Tyelele, Charles Magudu, and Mikia Mangezi were present, witnessed the process, and raised no lawful objection.
Each family presented its oral history, lineage evidence, and customary claim. These were meticulously scrutinized, cross checked against official DDC records, and evaluated with exemplary diligence for nearly four hours. The process was impartial, exhaustive, and unimpeachable.
The conclusion was unequivocal:
The Mugwadhi House being the foundational lineage of the Shangani Magudu chieftainship was the rightful house to provide the Headman.
And from that house, Cover Mugwadhi was duly and unanimously selected.
Martin Tyelele himself offered the vote of thanks and closed the gathering with prayer an act that now stands as silent testimony against his later defiance.
INSTALLATION AND DEFIANCE
On 16 December 2023,
Cover Mugwadhi was lawfully installed as substantive Headman by the Minister of Local Government represented by the DDC, in full compliance with the law.
Custom and law required that the former custodian surrender all traditional regalia to the authorities on that day. Yet Martin Tyelele deliberately absented himself, refused to surrender the regalia, and openly defied written instructions from the DDC’s office.
More troubling still, he resorted to evasive conduct fleeing his homestead under cover of night, hiding in nearby bushes whenever officials attempted lawful recovery of the regalia. Such conduct is not tradition; it is contempt of lawful authority.
THE REIGN OF FEAR AND FRAUD
Exploiting confusion, Martin Tyelele continues to unlawfully wear traditional regalia, falsely presenting himself as Headman. Alongside him, Charles Magudu who falsely claims affiliation with the Central Intelligence Organisation has allegedly terrorized the community through intimidation, deception, and abuse of perceived state authority.
These individuals have convened illegal community courts, confiscated property, extorted fines, and coerced attendance through fear. Such acts are criminal, unconstitutional, and void ab initio. Under Zimbabwean law, only courts registered under the Ministry of Justice and presided over by lawfully appointed traditional leaders have jurisdiction. Anything else is a masquerade a dangerous one.
THE POSITION OF THE LAW
The only lawful Headman of Magudu is Cover Mugwadhi.
He is:
Lawfully selected under custom
Legally appointed by the State
Properly installed under statute
Registered and recognized by the Government of Zimbabwe
He presides over a lawful community court, grounded in customary law and aligned with constitutional principles of fairness, dignity, and justice.
A CALL TO THE COMMUNITY
The community is hereby urged:
Not to attend any illegal courts convened by Martin Tyelele, Charles Magudu, or Mikia Mangezi
To report all intimidation, threats, and abuses to the Zimbabwe Republic Police
To direct all disputes and community matters to the lawful court of Headman Magudu (Cover Mugwadhi)
Village heads (Masabhuku) are called upon to lead with courage, guide their people toward legality, unity, and peace, and reject deception clothed in tradition.
THE MORAL HEART OF LEADERSHIP
A true traditional leader is not crowned by fear, but by legitimacy.
Not sustained by lies, but by law.
Not driven by self-interest, but by service.
Cover Mugwadhi stands as:
A Custodian of Culture and Tradition
A Guardian of Justice and Reconciliation
A Champion of Development, Peace, and Unity
A leader who honors children, elders, women, and men alike
May peace reign in Magudu.
May law triumph over imposture.
May truth outlive deception.
And may this matter, now before the High Court, finally restore clarity, dignity, and harmony to the community.
