MASVINGO – A controversial traditional leader on Sunday blocked parents from dropping off their children at a newly established boarding school in Masvingo, allegedly after the institution refused to enrol his children free of charge.
Ephias Munodawafa, the current Chief Murinye, parked his government-issued Isuzu vehicle, which had no number plates, across the road leading to Riverton Academy Extension, causing kilometre-long traffic queues on both sides.
Parents had been travelling to the school to drop off pupils for the opening of the first school term.
Witnesses said Munodawafa ordered parents to take their children back home, insisting that the school would not open as scheduled because its owner, Philimon Mutangiri, had failed to seek his permission to build the institution, the Masvingo Mirror reported.
Mutangiri, however, accused the chief of extortion.
He told reporters that Munodawafa had previously demanded that his homestead be connected to electricity, a demand Mutangiri said he complied with by purchasing a transformer valued at about US$7,000.
According to Mutangiri, the chief later returned with fresh demands, insisting that the school sign a contract guaranteeing that all his children would attend the institution free of charge.
The school rejected the demand, leading to Sunday’s standoff.
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Police later intervened, prompting the chief to remove his vehicle and allow access to the school.
Munodawafa has previously courted controversy. In 2023, he fled on foot while being pursued by villagers in Village 33B after attempting to stop a funeral that was already underway.
He claimed the burial was taking place within his jurisdiction without his authority, although the area is also claimed by another chief.
More than a dozen villagers were later arrested and convicted of assault in connection with the incident and were fined by a court. – Kukurigo
