NYANGA – A prominent village head in Nyanga, Sabhuku Mazarura, has been found guilty of adultery by Chief Saunyama’s community court, following a clandestine affair with a widow residing within her late husband’s homestead. The scandal, which has seen Mazarura already fined two beasts by Headman Nyamutowera’s court for the same transgression, has cast a long shadow over traditional leadership and ignited discussions about the erosion of customary values in rural Zimbabwe.
The affair came to light when a member of the Chikwiramakomo family, relatives of the widow, caught Sabhuku Mazarura and the woman in question red-handed. What shocked many was Mazarura’s own admission that the illicit encounters had been taking place in the late Chikwiramakomo’s very own bedroom, a revelation that has deeply offended the community’s sense of propriety and respect for the deceased.
Sabhuku Mazarura, who serves under Chief Saunyama, confessed to dating the widow for five months before their relationship was exposed. During his testimony, he detailed the events leading to his conviction, including the initial hearing at Headman Nyamutowera’s court. “Yes, I was caught red-handed with this woman. The matter was reported to the headman’s court. The relationship had been going on for five months. The woman in question is a widow,” Mazarura stated, providing a candid account of his actions.
He further elaborated on the fines imposed, explaining, “At the headman’s court, Chikwiramakomo was demanding three beasts. I told the court that the fine was excessive and they reduced it to two, and that was granted. I also compensated my wife with a beast for cheating on her.” This act of compensating his own wife underscores the gravity of adultery within traditional customs, where such transgressions are not only a breach of trust but also carry significant social and financial penalties.
Mazarura also addressed an accusation regarding the location of their trysts. “The headman further fined me for being intimate in the bush (mahwandauswa). I disputed that because we never used the bush, but the woman’s bedroom. Nevertheless, I paid the fine.” This particular detail, while seemingly minor, highlights the specific nuances of customary law, where the location of an adulterous act can influence the nature of the fine. His refusal to pay court fees during the initial hearing and alleged denigration of his superiors, including the headman and chief, further compounded the case against him, painting a picture of a leader seemingly defiant of the very authority he represents. He denied insulting his superiors, stating, “It is fabrication that I insulted the headman and chief.”
Chief Saunyama, presiding over the community court, upheld Headman Nyamutowera’s decision to fine Sabhuku Mazarura, affirming the adherence to traditional protocols. The Chief also ordered Mazarura to pay two goats as court fees, reinforcing the importance of respecting judicial processes within the traditional system. In his stern ruling, Chief Saunyama expressed profound disappointment in Mazarura’s conduct, emphasising the critical role of traditional leaders as moral compasses for their communities.
“The woman, despite being a widow, is still a daughter-in-law where she is married. Sabhuku Mazarura committed adultery, and it is an embarrassment that a person holding such a position appears before this court as an accused person,” Chief Saunyama declared. His words resonated with the community’s expectations of its leaders, highlighting the profound betrayal of trust when those in authority fail to uphold the standards they are meant to enforce. “You lose respect from the community you lead. You should lead by example and respect other people.”
The Chief further warned of the severe repercussions of such actions within the traditional framework. “Adultery is a serious case which can cause dangerous repercussions. You were caught red-handed with the woman, and you could have been struck by an axe,” he cautioned, alluding to the potential for violent retribution in extreme cases, a stark reminder of the deeply ingrained cultural norms surrounding marital fidelity and respect for family honour.
This incident in Nyanga is not an isolated one, as similar cases involving traditional leaders have surfaced across Zimbabwe, raising concerns about the integrity of customary institutions. In Chimanimani, Herbert Musiyandaka, another village head, faced accusations of engaging in an affair with a married woman, Esther Mlambo. The husband, Peter Mashava, brought the matter before Chief Saurombe’s community court, alleging that Musiyandaka had not only been involved with his wife but had also issued death threats to him for pursuing the case. Mashava claimed that Musiyandaka had even refused to register his household, telling him the homestead now belonged to his wife. This was reportedly Musiyandaka’s second adultery scandal, further eroding trust in his leadership within the community.
Another notable case involved Headman Chipezeze, also known as Bongai Thomas Bhikani Chipezeze, near Jerera Growth Point in Zaka. In October 2023, pictures of Headman Chipezeze in a compromising position with a married woman, Runzirai Manzanga, in the bush went viral on social media. This public exposure of a traditional leader in such a situation further fuelled public debate about the conduct of those entrusted with upholding customary law and moral standards.
These recurring incidents underscore a broader challenge facing traditional leadership in Zimbabwe. Village heads and chiefs are not merely administrative figures; they are custodians of culture, tradition, and moral order. Their actions, therefore, carry immense weight and directly impact the community’s perception of justice and authority. When leaders themselves are found to be in breach of the very customs they are meant to enforce, it inevitably leads to a crisis of confidence and a questioning of the efficacy of traditional governance structures.
The cases of Sabhuku Mazarura, Herbert Musiyandaka, and Headman Chipezeze highlight the complexities of applying customary law in contemporary society. While traditional courts continue to play a vital role in resolving disputes and maintaining social harmony, the conduct of their leaders remains under intense scrutiny. The need for exemplary leadership, adherence to ethical standards, and respect for community values is paramount to ensure the continued relevance and legitimacy of traditional institutions in Zimbabwe. The community awaits to see how these cases will influence future interpretations and enforcement of customary law, and whether they will serve as a catalyst for renewed commitment to upholding the moral fabric of rural society.
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