HARARE – Timothy Chiminya, who styles himself as King Munhumutapa, Mwene Mutapa, or Monomutapa, has formally revoked all Powers of Attorney previously issued in his name.
In a declaration certified by a Commissioner of Oaths and lodged with the Attorney General’s Office, Chiminya asserted his exclusive claim to the historic Munhumutapa titles.
He also warned of serious consequences for anyone using his identity without authorisation.
In his affidavit, Chiminya maintains that he is the rightful holder of the Munhumutapa throne, saying that any Power of Attorney granted to individuals or entities purporting to act on his behalf has now been withdrawn.
He declared all such documents are null and void.
He further warned that anyone describing him as a self-proclaimed or impostor king could face defamation proceedings.
Chiminya also threatened legal action against individuals who refer to themselves as King Munhumutapa without his approval.
“Anyone claiming I, King Munhumutapa/Mwene MUTAPA/Monomutapa born TIMOTHY CHIMINYA, am a self-proclaimed or imposter King Munhumutapa will face legal action and be held liable for defamation.
“Anyone claiming to be or referring to themselves as King Munhumutapa without my authorisation will be held liable and face legal action.
“I also warn that anyone claiming I, King Munhumutapa/Mwene MUTAPA/Monomutapa, born TIMOTHY CHIMINYA, am a self-proclaimed or imposter King Munhumutapa, via newspapers, social media, or any other platform, will face legal action and be held liable for defamation.”
The revocation follows a High Court ruling in September 2022, which recognised Chiminya as Mambo Munhumutapa and directed the Ministry of Local Government to pay him outstanding wages and allowances.
More recently, in February 2026, the High Court overturned a previous criminal conviction against him, replacing it with a verdict of “not guilty and acquitted.”
In December 2024, Chiminya was arrested and charged with undermining the authority of the President.
Prosecutors claimed that he had purported to have authority to appoint and dismiss traditional chiefs—a function reserved exclusively for the President under the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the Traditional Leaders Act.
Chiminya reportedly visited legally appointed traditional leaders, such as Chief Seke, declaring that they had been “fired” and replaced with his own appointees.
In November 2025, Harare Magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai convicted Chiminya and sentenced him to 10 months in prison, with eight months to be served.
The magistrate held that Chiminya had created parallel structures that undermined the country’s laws.
However, on 20 February 2026, High Court Judges Benjamin Chikowero and Maxwell Takuva overturned the conviction. They upheld Chiminya’s appeal, acquitting him of all charges.
