Harare Zimbabwe – News of The South) – Tensions have surfaced in Harare’s historic township of Mbare after Chief Seke addressed a gathering of church groups near Manyame (Hunyani) Bridge, a site linked to a spate of tragic road accidents in recent months.
The meeting, attended by thousands of congregants, sought divine intervention to curb the accidents. However, the event has sparked controversy after Chief Seke performed duties in Mbare, an area historically under the jurisdiction of Paramount Chief Mbari, the former ruler of Harare.
According to historical tradition, Paramount Chief Mbari granted Chief Seke land to settle, but with clearly defined boundaries. Those boundaries, descendants argue, extend only up to Hunyani Bridge, not into Mbare.
Speaking after observing the proceedings, HRH Princess Majuru, Princess of Harare and descendant of King Mbari condemned the move, insisting that the chief had crossed into sacred territory.
“Chief Seke has no authority in Mbare. That land belongs to the Mbari clan, and only its rightful custodians can resolve spiritual or cultural matters there. By disregarding traditional laws, he risks angering the spirits of the land – which is why the accidents continue,” she said.
The Princess further criticized the chief for allowing Christian denominations to lead prayers at the site instead of upholding cultural traditions.
“It is not the role of churches to perform rituals on sacred land. Traditional leaders know their boundaries and responsibilities. Chief Seke should have advised them correctly instead of breaking long-standing customs.”
Community members in Mbare reportedly contacted the Mbari clan to question why Chief Seke was conducting rituals outside his jurisdiction.
With over 300 traditional chiefs in Zimbabwe, the Princess expressed disappointment that none had openly challenged what she called a breach of traditional protocol.
“The absence of a formal chief in Harare does not give others the right to trespass and take over. As Mbari clan, we will not take this lightly. The anger of the land’s owners, past and present, must not be ignored,” she warned.
The clash raises broader questions about the role of traditional leaders, boundaries of chieftaincies, and respect for cultural governance systems in Zimbabwe’s urban areas, particularly in places like Harare where colonial and post-colonial administration disrupted indigenous leadership structures. – The Lion has roared three times.
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