A prominent peace and reconciliation organization urges for amendments to the Traditional Leaders Act to bring chiefs in line with constitutional principles, following reports of corruption and human rights abuses among traditional leaders.

The latest report titled “Traditional Leaders in Zimbabwe: Balancing Culture, Development, and Democracy” by Heal Zimbabwe Trust (HZT) highlights deviations from the mandates of traditional leaders.

The report details accusations against some chiefs including accepting bribes, abusing power, violating the rights of their subjects, and discriminating against women and youths. Instances of demanding payment from villagers for basic services and involvement in forced evictions, torture, and even murder have been reported.

HZT emphasizes the need to strengthen laws governing and monitoring the conduct of traditional leaders. Aligning the Traditional Leaders Act with the Constitution is proposed as a means to reinforce the regulatory framework, ensuring adherence to principles of impartiality, transparency, and respect for human rights.

Notably, last year, Chiefs’ Council vice-president Fortune Charumbira faced an indecent assault charge for allegedly sexually abusing his niece.

Gender activist Nancy Mupeki highlights cases of traditional leaders exploiting their positions for sexual favors, reminiscent of the antics portrayed in the local comedy character “Sabhuku Vharazipi.”

Tapiwanashe Chiriga, an advocacy officer at HZT, reveals that traditional leaders account for 40 per cent of the country’s human rights violations, citing instances of political manipulation during elections.

Wilbert Mandinde of the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum voiced concern over the increasing politicization of traditional leaders, urging for impartiality and adherence to their traditional roles.