Own Correspondent|President Emmerson Mnangagwa last week dismissed Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni from his position as Chief Ndiweni.

Mnangagwa ordered Ndiweni to surrender all State property in his possession, including a Government vehicle.

Secretary for Local Government and Public Works Mr Zvinechimwe Churu announced the dismissal of Felix through a letter dated December 12 and addressed to the Matebeleland North Provincial Assembly of Chiefs.

“Please be advised that His Excellency, the President has, as per your recommendation and in line with the provisions of Section 283 (ii) of the Constitution and subsection 2 (a) (i) of Section 3 of the Traditional Leaders Act (Chapter 29:17) removed Felix Ndiweni from the office of Chief Ndiweni in Umguza District of Matabeleland North province, with effect from November 30 2019,” he said.

Mr Churu directed the Provincial Council to officially notify the former chief as well as cease the payment of his allowances.

He also ordered the recovery of the Government-allocated vehicle, all chiefs’ regalia and any other State assets in his custody with the assistance of police if need be.

As instructed, heavily armed anti-riot police on Saturday evening descended on ousted Ndiweni’s homestead in Ntabazinduna where they unsuccessfully tried to impound the State-issued vehicle and traditional regalia in his possession.

However, the seizure of the property was unsuccessful as the former chief is reported to be out of the country. The anti-riot police were accompanied by Umguza district coordinator, Tapiwa Zivovoyi.

They are said to have stormed the controversial traditional leader’s homestead and demanded the vehicle’s car keys and regalia.

They wanted to confiscate his vehicle and regalia but unfortunately the Chief is outside the country.

Ndiweni has already instructed his lawyers to challenge the dismissal at the High Court on grounds that the dismissal was unconstitutional.