Chief Fortune Charumbira was on Monday forced to leave a funeral in Masvingo West after mourners openly rejected his presence, in an incident that underscored deep political and community tensions in the area.
The funeral, held at the rural homestead of the late Nyarai Mureyi in Ward 12, was attended by scores of villagers and relatives. Mureyi, affectionately known as Mai Themba, died a few days ago and was being laid to rest when the disruption occurred.
According to Change Radio, Chief Charumbira arrived late, at the same time that the deceased’s brother, Honourable Takanayi Mureyi, was addressing mourners. His entrance reportedly unsettled the gathering, and tensions escalated when he attempted to move toward the podium.
In his remarks, Honourable Mureyi openly criticised the Chief, accusing him of arrogance and disrespect, and stated that he was no longer welcome at the Mureyi homestead. The remarks were met with audible approval from sections of the crowd.
Several mourners cited Chief Charumbira’s association with the ruling ZANU-PF as a major source of resentment. Attendees alleged that he was accompanied by party supporters who began singing political songs during the funeral proceedings—an act many described as inappropriate and provocative given the solemn nature of the occasion.
As emotions flared, mourners began chanting for the Chief to leave. One local resident, Patrick Gumbo, said the confrontation was rooted in longstanding grievances.
“This was a moment for mourning, not politics,” Gumbo said. “There are unresolved issues between the Chief and the community, and today they came to the surface.”
Chief Nemamwa, who had also been invited to speak at the funeral, was present during the disturbance but did not intervene as the situation deteriorated. Eventually, Chief Charumbira was escorted to his vehicle by aides and left the area as angry mourners confronted him.
After his departure, calm was restored, allowing Chief Nemamwa to address the gathering without further disruption as family members and mourners listened attentively.
The incident reflects persistent political tensions in Masvingo West, an area with a history of politically linked conflict. In recent years, the region has witnessed several violent episodes involving ruling party supporters and opposition figures.
In 2023, vehicles belonging to opposition leader Nelson Chamisa were damaged during a campaign visit, while opposition councillor Esther Zishiri and other activists were reportedly assaulted at Diyo Shopping Centre in separate incidents attributed to ruling party affiliates.
Monday’s confrontation adds to growing concerns about politicisation of community spaces and the fragile relationship between traditional leadership, political actors, and ordinary citizens in the constituency.
Source: Change Radio
