Mabhikwa dispute back to chiefs
by MELUSI MHLANGA
BULAWAYO – THE Bulawayo High Court has overturned the appointment of Ms Zanele Khumalo as Regent Chief Mabhikwa, ruling that the succession dispute must be resolved through the traditional mechanisms of the Mabhikwa-Khumalo lineage.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Mposeni Dube, follows a long-running conflict that began after the death of Chief Vusumuzi Khumalo in 2022.
The late chief, widely recognised as the legitimate substantive holder of the Mabhikwa chieftaincy, died unexpectedly at a young age, leaving his minor son, Wayne Makhosemvelo Khumalo, as heir.
The chieftainship, rooted in the historic Mlonyeni–Khumalo–Mabhikwa dynasty, traditionally rotates among male family lines.
The dispute began when Ms Khumalo was appointed as regent earlier this year—an arrangement that relatives argued had no basis in customary practice or Zimbabwean law.
For years, the absence of a clear chief has left the community without a key authority responsible for land allocation, dispute resolution, cultural rites, and local leadership.
Justice Dube ruled that while the court could review procedural irregularities, it “lacked jurisdiction to determine who should occupy a traditional office,” and therefore remitted the matter to the Chief’s Council.
The judge further noted that the appointment was “improperly executed and failed to follow prescribed family consultations.”
Applicant John Khumalo, represented by Advocate Kucaca Phulu and attorney Solomon Mguni, argued that installing Zanele created dual centres of authority.
“The law outlines a strict, family-led succession process. It was ignored,” he submitted.
Respondents included the Minister of Local Government, the National Council of Chiefs president, provincial chiefs’ leadership, Ms Khumalo, and the President.
The High Court’s ruling now resets the succession process, placing full responsibility back in the hands of the traditional family structures.
