Former acting chief of Sorumbi, Raymond Sorumbi, was arrested last weekend while presiding over cases on charges of impersonating a traditional leader after the expiry of his term.
Sorombi (60), from Sorombi village in Chimanimani, was arrested by a team from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Law and Order (Manicaland) following a complaint from the recently appointed Chief Oliver Sorombi (86) through his son, Mr Prince Tendai Surombi. .
Sorumbi was not asked to plead when he appeared before Mutare District Magistrate, Mr Tendai Mahoi, on Monday, and was remanded outside prison until April 30 on his own recognizance (on free bail).
He was ordered to continue to reside at his designated address and not to interfere with state witnesses.
Ms. Tinotinda Muzondo represented the State, while Sorumbi was represented by Mr. Pasmore Nyakorba of Munga, Manda and Associates Legal Practitioners.
Manica Post has learned that sometime in 2016, the accused person was appointed by the Sorumbi family as acting chief of Sorumbi until a senior boss was appointed, which President Mnangagwa agreed to.
The accused began presiding over the community court in Surumbi District, among other chieftain duties.
On 9 October 2023, President Mnangagwa, pursuant to Section 283(a)(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe as read with Section 3(1) and (2) of the Traditional Leaders Act, Chapter 29:17 appointed Mr. Oliver Sorumbi as communicated to the President Technician Surumbi and accused of developments.
Ms Muzondo said: “On 19 October 2023, Sorombi Technical Chief, Mr. Oliver Sorombi, gave a special and irrevocable power of attorney to his son, Mr. Prince Tendai Sorombi (56 years old) to take over as Chief Sorombi due to ill health. .
“The accused continued to carry out the official duties of Chief Sorumbi knowing full well that a senior chief had been appointed.”
On April 6, Mr. Prince Tendai Sorumbi filed a police report stating that the accused was impersonating Chief Sorumbi and was still performing his official duties and presiding over the Chief’s Court in the Sorumbi area of Chimanimani.
On April 7, a team from the Law and Order CID (Manicaland) visited Sorumbi area in Chimanimani and found the accused person at Chief Sorumbi Community Court where he was presiding over community disputes knowing full well that Mr. Oliver Sorumbi had been appointed as chief representative. President Sorumbe.
The accused was arrested and taken to Manicaland Law and Order CID for further administration. Manica Post
