Njodzi Zhambe is said to have taken a pesticide after he failed to get appointed as acting Headman Mawere. His nephew Kabias Chityatya (junior) is the new acting Headman Mawere after the death of his father. Masvingo Police Spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said the matter is not in their reports.
Sources told Masvingo Mirror that Zhambe attempted suicide after failing to secure the position during a selection meeting held on April 9, 2026 at Mawere Township. Gutu District Development Coordinator Chiedza Tafirei confirmed both the meeting and the selection of Kabias Chityatya as acting headman. However, she said she was not aware of Zhambe’s alleged suicide attempt.
The meeting resulted in the selection of the late headman’s eldest son, Chityatya (junior), for the post. “I am not aware of that. Traditionally, the deceased’s eldest son assumes the position, and in this case, Kabiyasa Chityatya was selected as acting headman Mawere,” said Tafirei.
Efforts to get a comment from Chief Gutu were futile as his mobile phone was not reachable. Source: Man attempts suicide over ‘headman post’ – Masvingo Mirror