Three traditional leaders—Chief Fortune Charumbira, Chief Chitanga (real name Feleni Chauke) of Mwenezi, and Chief Nhema (Rangarirai Bwawanda) of Zaka—have been recalled from the Senate following a decision by the Masvingo Provincial Assembly of Chiefs.

Local Government and Public Works Permanent Secretary Tafadzwa Muguti has confirmed.

Muguti said the Senate President, the President of the National Council of Chiefs and the three chiefs had been formally notified of the decision, paving the way for legal procedures to remove them from Parliament.

“The Provincial Assembly of Chiefs in Masvingo met and deliberated and recalled three chiefs from the Senate, and as of this morning the President of the Senate has been served with papers by the Honourable Minister,” Muguti said.

He added that the President of the National Council of Chiefs had also received the papers, while the affected traditional leaders had been notified.

Muguti said the formal removal process would now proceed through the relevant legal channels, after which elections would be held to select replacements for the three Senate seats.

“So it is with regret that Chief Charumbira, Nhema and Chitanga have been recalled from the Senate,” he said, referring to Chief Chitanga.

Muguti said the government would not comment further on the circumstances surrounding the recalls.

The decision follows a September 14 meeting of the Masvingo Provincial Assembly of Chiefs, where 42 chiefs reportedly voted in favour of recalling the trio, while three opposed the motion.

The move was linked to allegations that the chiefs had undermined President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s authority.

The recall process is now expected to determine the chiefs’ formal departure from the Senate and the selection of their successors.