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Masvingo- A visually impaired traditional leader, Cover Mugwadi has won the Magudu headman dispute after a Masvingo High court judge, ruled that he was the lawful substantive headman after some family members had attempted to block him from performing his duties following his installation by government in 2023.
Mugwadi was installed headman Magudu under Chief Nyajena in Masvingo on 23 December 2023 after he was properly appointment by Local government Minister Daniel Garwe.
The quarrel started after 3 family members, Martin Hleleni, Charles Magudu and Mikia Mangezi defied the Minister’s appointment and set up a parallel headman structures presiding over traditional court hearings and performing other traditional leaders duties unlawfully.
This created confusion and a fight for the traditional leadership ensued leading Mugwadi to approach the High court seeking an interdict to bar the 3 from undertaking unlawful traditional leadership roles.
Hleleni, Magudu and Mangezi were 1st, 2rnd and 3rd respondents in the case.
In his ruling Justice Christopher Dube-Banda said the application for an interdict and restraining order was granted in favour of the applicant Mugwadi.
“The first, 2nd and 3rd respondents and all those taking their instructions shall respect the lawful appointment of Cover Mugwadi as the substantive Headman Magudu under Chief Nyajena and shall give full effect to it. They are hereby ordered to cease and desist from all execution of his official duties,” read part of the order by Justice Dube-Banda.
The High court interdicted the 1st responded, Hleleni from performing any duties, presiding over traditional meetings, wearing any official insignia or in any way holding himself as Headman Magudu.
The 2rnd and 3rd respondents, Magudu and Mangezi were interdicted from acting as officials, from conducting any unlawful court hearings and from representing and lending credibility to the 1st Responded, Hleleni at any public or traditional gathering.
They were ordered to pay the costs of the suit.
Mugwadi was represented by Advocate Knowledge Mubvure who acknowledged the court victory.
“Yes my client won the interdict and it means those who were masquerading as Headman Magudu are barred from doing that, they are no longer allowed to perform any duties, like presiding over traditional meetings and conducting traditional court hearings and even to address mourners at Funeral as traditional leaders,” said Mabvure.
Mugwadi was thrilled by the court victory “We are excited that the High court has returned the title to its rightful owners and we believe the respondents will respect the outcome and laws of the country, the issue is now settled and we will perform our duties amicably,” said Mugwadi.
Headman Magudu urged his subjects who may be forced to appear before the trio’s unlawful courts for trial to report to the police.
