Midlands-Villagers here in Mvuma have sued Chief Chirumanzu, (born Gerald Mudzengi) for extortion, the state media has revealed.
Chief Chirumanzu according to the villagers is taking their cattle by force as punishment for conducting farming operations on a sacred day, known as ‘Chisi’ in Shona.
More than 10 villagers in Mvuma resettlements are challenging Chief Chirumanzu for unilaterally claiming jurisdiction over their area.
The villagers allege that Chief Chirumanzi took herds of cattle and goats from them as punishment for carrying out their farming operations on Thursday, which is a sacred day in Chief Chirumanzu’s area.
The villagers are arguing the chief has no jurisdiction over their area and are not bound to follow the traditional beliefs.
One of Chief Chirumanzu’s victim, Ellen Tadiwa is a widow and she lost the only beast she had as punishment for farming on a Thursday.
The villagers allege that  the chief took more than 25 cattle and many goats which he was allegedly taking to a nearby butchery in Lalapansi.
While the chief was charging one beast for the alleged offence, other chiefs charge a maximum of US$20 for the same offence.
Meanwhile, a letter from the Ministry of Rural Development, Promotion and Preservation of National Culture and Heritage to the Midlands Provincial Administrator indicated that the chief has no jurisdiction over A1 and A2 plots.
The letter further indicates that there is need to discuss with the chief to correct the problem.
The villagers have reported the matter to the police under CR number 04/03/16 and CR 06/03/16.