The Murehwa district was historically organized into four Tribal Trust Lands: Mangwende, Uzumba, Maramba, and Pfungwe. Within Mangwende Tribal Trust Land, authority is held by Chief Mangwende, under whom serve Headmen Zihute, Mushaninga, and Mukarakate, all members of the VaNowe tribe. Headmen Muchagoneyi and Neweyembwa were recognised as vatorwa, or outsiders to the tribe.
Uzumba Tribal Trust Land falls under Chief Nyajina, whose subordinate headmen — David, Muskwe, and Chimaga — belong to the royal lineage of the VaZumba people.
Maramba Tribal Trust Land is governed by Chief Chirinda, supported by Headman Mananganutse, who belongs to a distinct clan. Beneath the headman is a further tier of authority known as masadunhu, or vachinda — the royal houses.
Pfungwe Tribal Trust Land is led by Chief Chitsungo, with Headmen Chiunze and Karamba serving beneath him.
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CHIEF MANGWENDE
The Mangwende lineage carries the Moyo totem, with the chidawo Muzukuru, and belongs to the Nhowe tribe. Their language is chiZezuru.
Origins Tradition holds that this tribe migrated from the Bindura area into the Murehwa district, eventually settling north of VaRozvi territory. A conflict arose with the VaRozvi despite warnings carried by the tribe’s sacred horn, Tondowa; it is said the horn subsequently vanished and has never been recovered. The Mangwende lineage came to recognise VaRozvi paramouncy and maintains a claim to distant kinship with them — a connection some consider significant given the shared Moyo totem. The chidawo Muzukuru is understood to signify a subordinate standing within that relationship.
Communities within this chiefdom include Zihute, Mushaninga, Mukarakate, Neweyembwa, and Muchagoneyi.
Genealogy The line of succession begins with Gatsi, followed in turn by Dandara, Rota, Zemura, Hundungu, Montani, Katsingautse, Mungate, Katerere, Munhuwepayi, and Enoch. This record was provided by Enoch Mangwende.
Role of the Chief The chief’s court convenes daily, with the vachinda assisting in the adjudication of cases. The chief additionally holds land authority over the chiefdom.
Headman Zihute
The people under Headman Zihute share the Moyo totem, the chidawo Muzukuru, and belong to the Nowe tribe, speaking chiZezuru. Their area is known as Tsokoto. The headman is appointed by Chief Mangwende based on popular acclaim, with succession following a collateral line.
Villages under this headmanship include: Bute, Chari Madziya, Chidakwa, Chikomo, Chikuwira, Chingono, Choruwa Mutenga, Chitongo, Dizha, Gandiwa, Gowera, Hakata, Jakopo, Madanaga, Makwengura, Masinago, Muchemwa, Mungofa, Musakwa, Nazalo Jam, Ngwena, Nyamburi, Runganga, Takawira I, Tama, Zemura, and Zwomuya.
No specific boundary description was recorded; reference should instead be made to the accompanying map.
Headman Muchagoneyi
This community carries the Nhari totem and the chidawo Nyandoro, with additional praise names Masvisva and Mukombwe. They belong to the Zezuru tribe, and their area is called Beta. The headman is appointed jointly by Chief Mangwende and the clansmen, with succession passing collaterally.
Genealogy The first headman was Bango, son of Mombeyarara, succeeded by Muchagoneyi, who was appointed in April 1947 by Chief Mangwende.
Origins The Muchagoneyi clan traces its roots to Nyandoro and settled in the district generations ago. When Munhuwepayi created the area’s headmanships, he appointed Bango to represent the people of Beta village, many of whom belong to the Nhari Nyandoro lineage. Following Bango’s death, Muchagoneyi succeeded him — a transition regarded locally as irregular, as it appeared to bypass an entire generation in the line of succession. Local accounts suggest that Munhuwepayi Mangwende favoured Muchagoneyi for having built him a European-style house, and bestowed the headmanship on him in return.
Boundary Historically, the area’s boundary followed the Shavanowe River to its confluence with the Nyaguwe River. At the community’s request, this was later revised to run north-eastward from Ngomaremowa Hill to the Chivake River, continuing to the main road before returning to the Shavanowe River.
Villages in this area include: Bango, Chakavarika, Chiguma, Chigombe, Chikwerekwere, Chinyuku, Chikowanyanga, Dombodzvuku, Guveya, Kadzviti, Machakaire, Magwenzi, Manjonjo, Marufu Musekiwa, Mateko, Mavarume II, Monyera, Muchagoneyi, Mukurazhizha, Mushaki, Mutize, Muza, Netsai, Nyamutumbu, Nzungu, Ruzvidzo, Shambare, Tayengwa, Zengenene, Zinomwe, and Choto.
Role of the Headman The headman adjudicates all cases originating from his kraals, with the exception of those from Gororo, Muzembe, and Dombodzvuku and their affiliated communities. He additionally holds land authority over the area.
Headman Mukarakate
This community belongs to the Moyo clan, carries the chidawo Muzukuru, and is part of the Nowe tribe, speaking chiZezuru. Their area is known as Bokoto. The headman is appointed by the chief together with the clansmen, and succession is collateral; the community does not maintain a svikiro to guide the appointment process.
Genealogy The lineage begins with Mahokorefu, whose sons were Sakubvunza and Nhuta. From Sakubvunza descended Gatsi and Mushayavanhu. The Gatsi branch continued through Rota, Hundungu, Zinyemba, and Mupezeni, while the Mushayavanhu branch continued through Zemura, Sakutukwa, Chiwiyu, and Tande. Within the Gatsi line, Hundungu was followed by Katsingautse, Mungate, Muchemwa, and Gukwe; Muchemwa was in turn followed by Munhuwepayi, then Enoch, then Gomba. Within the Mushayavanhu line, Zemura was followed by Motani, then Katerere and Mukarakate; Katerere was followed by Chibanda, while Jeffry followed Mukarakate.
Villages in this community include: Bere, Chibanda, Chikono, Chirimudombo, Chiwara, Gomwe, Gudo, Gwandure, Jokomu, Kapasura, Kasirowori, Kwinjo, Makunde, Manyange, Mapfumo, Mataranyika, Mavurume, Mujuru, Mukarakate, Mukusha, Musungwa, Ndoro, Nyangwizo, Nyazema, Shangwa, Tendenguwo, Zvawanda, Chetsanga, Chiguri, Chirasikwa, Chirwanemuka, Donzwa, Gosho, Gumbanjera, Huni, Kanuwa, Kapita, Kusangaya, Mahute, Mangwena, Maparura, Marumisa, Matunike, Mubvumbe, Mukara, Mukombero, Murewa, Mutandagawi, Nhende, Nyamapfeni, Sakutukwa, Tapera, and Zhakata.
Role of the Headman Cases are received from all listed villages, with court convening on Tuesdays. Appeals proceed to Chief Mangwende, and all cases are prepared and forwarded to the chief for formal recording.
Headman Neweyembwa
This community holds the Shiri totem, the chidawo Simbirori, with additional praise names Zenda and Hungwe. The headman is appointed by Chief Mangwende and the clansmen based on popular acclaim; the community does not maintain a svikiro to guide leadership selection.
Origins This group originated in the northeast and migrated toward Shabani before returning and settling near Bindura, where they formed an association with the VaNowe. They are understood to have migrated from Bindura alongside the VaNowe when the latter moved into the Murehwa district.
Villages in this area include: Bere Gotora, Bvekerwa, Chingwaru, Chinyani, Chipore, Dandara, Duku, Dzwari, Gogodo, Guveya II, Hunda, Jaji, Kambarami, Kamuruko, Kache, Madamombe, Mairosi, Marongedza, Masaka, Matena, Mavura, Mureki, Mudzamba, Munanga Makore, Meneno, Munjukuya, Mushawatu, Musoni, Matawu II, Bopoto, Chamunorwa, Chingwaru, Chinzara, Chiweshe, Devi, Dzapasi, Gatsi, Goto II, Guzha, Huni II, Jonga, Kambuwa, Kaseke Maritini, Kurida, Madeyi, Makuna, Marozva, Matara, Matidena, Mhembere II, Mubayiwa, Mudzindi, Munawa, Munetsi Madamombe, Mukwati, Matawu, Mutimbanyoka, Nemukuyu, Ngoshi, Nyamadzawo, Nyamayaro, Chidakwa, Simon, Tanda, Tarwireyi, Neweyembgwa, Ngwerume, Nyamande, Sadza, Shoniwa, Sirewu, Trauwinga II, and Tsiga.
Role of the Headman Cases are received from the villages listed above, with court convening on any day. Appeals proceed to Chief Mangwende. The headman adjudicates only minor matters at his own court, referring other cases to the chief.
Headman Mushaninga
This community carries the Moyo totem, the chidawo Muzukuru, and additional praise names Gono and Mukombwe. They belong to the Nowe tribe and speak chiZezuru. Their area is known as Rota, or Chamachinda.
Appointment The headman is selected by the tribe and confirmed by the elders, based on popular acclaim, with collateral succession. The community does not maintain a svikiro for leadership selection.
Movements A group migrated from Rusape and Maungwe, led notably by Dzimati Furusa. Separately, several villages formerly under Mushaninga’s authority — Marembo, Zangeneni, Dombodzvuku, Mushinga, Madove, Choto, and Chikwerekwere — now fall under Headman Muchagoneyi, owing to geographic proximity.
Villages under Headman Mushaninga include: Bosha, Chakanyuka, Chaza (Rwofa), Chidawaya, Chikukwa, Chinoyi, Chiruwa Mpesi, Chiwurunga, Chivunga, Dzimati, Gezi, Gororo, Jambgwa, Kadzere, Kwindima, Mangumba, Marembo, Maruta, Matamba, Mavunga, Chadenga, Chari Chitsiga, Chibvongodze, Chihumbire, Chimani, Chiremba, Chitsaga, Chiviya, Darangwa, Gahadzikwa, Gomba, Goto, Jaure, Kambanje, Makuwaza, Mapanga, Marimbo, Masarawure, Mawodza, Mungai, Mushaninga, Mushore, Muziwi, Nehumba, Nhawurwa, Nyakurerwa, Soka, Tapfumaneyi, Zuwa, Mushawi, Muzanenamo, Nawu, Ngundu, Nhira, Rota, Takawira, Tsono, and Chidiya.
Role of the Headman Cases are received from all listed kraals, with court convening on any day, though Mondays are reserved for sittings at the Chief’s court. Appeals proceed to Chief Mangwende. Only minor matters are heard by the headman, with all others tried at Chief Mangwende’s court.
CHIEF NYAJINA
This lineage carries the Soko totem, the chidawo Nyadawa, with additional praise names Chirombo and Zinyemba. Their area is known as Uzumba, and they speak chiZumba. Succession follows a collateral line, and the community maintains a svikiro to assist in leadership selection.
Origins Tradition recounts that Nyanhewe was known to kill his male children at birth. One of his wives, however, fled with her infant son, Nhahuma, returning to her own people in Nyombgwe, within the Kandeya Tribal Trust Land in Mount Darwin — the traditional home of Chief Dotito. Upon reaching adulthood, Nhahuma returned to Uzumba with his mother, concealing their identity. They were granted land by the ruling chief and established a village there. Once complete, Chief Nyanhewe was invited to a thanksgiving feast, during which Nhahuma’s mother disclosed their true identity. Fearing that his son had arrived with an army, Nyanhewe gathered his wives and associates and withdrew to a cave on Dakanya Hill, where the group consumed a fatal poison. The following day, Nhahuma discovered the party, all of whom had died.
Nyambudzi is said to have declined the chieftainship prior to his father’s death, choosing instead the ceremonial role of “sharer of the meat.” Kanodzirasa and his descendants were reportedly barred permanently from succession by the spirit medium after Kanodzirasa attempted to seize power irregularly following Chikuwe’s death, leading a force from Pfungwe against Chikuwe’s house and driving them into Budya territory in Mutoko, from which they later returned once Manyika was installed as chief.
No migration legend from other regions is recorded, though a loose association with the Mutoko area persists. The tribe is said to originate from Chavazumba Hill, near Mashambanhaka School — a site noted for a blow hole believed to hold mystical significance.
Villages in the Muskwe area include: Badze, Chigayo, Chimbgwanda, Denga, Johani, Kadzinga, Kanotangudza, Kasambarare, Katsande, Makuwi, Manyika, Marongo, Mbengeni, Mugabe, Muru, Muskwe, Muzengeza, Nyamayaro, Nyamhuru, Sori, Tamutsa, Taruwinga, Chidodo, Chikoto, Chiwure, Fero, Kachombo, Kamusisi, Karimbika, Katiyo, Kazingisi, Mangawa, Manyika II, Matuku, Mira, Munyukwi, Musani I, Mutarimanja, Makiwa II, Nyamukondiwa, Rinemota, Soti, and Tauro.
The Chipfiyamiti clan claims a substantial portion of Uzumba and maintains that it operated as an independent chiefdom until its last incumbent’s death in 1957. The clan was never formally recognised by the government, having reportedly been outmanoeuvred by Djoga Nyajina.
Boundary To the north, the chiefdom borders Maramba Tribal Trust Land along the Shamba and Masiyandima streams. To the east, it borders European farms and the Chitowa African Purchase Area along the Nyadiri and Nyatenga rivers. To the south, it borders the Chitowa African Purchase Area and European farms along the Nyaitenga River. To the west and south, it borders Mangwende Tribal Trust Land along the Muhumi River and European farms along the Nyaguwe and Mazowe rivers.
Role of the Chief Cases from the Tribal Trust Land are routed through the relevant headman before reaching the chief, with the exception of Muskwe dunhu, which approaches the chief directly. Court convenes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Appeals are handled by the District Commissioner, with Kraalheads Mangava and Manyika serving as court assessors.
Genealogy The line of succession begins with Nyanhewe, followed by Nyahuma, Chikuwe, Kawoko, Nyajina, and Manyika. Manyika was succeeded by Chikoso, then Muskwe, Kanonadadu, Nyamukapa, and Kapita.
Headman David
This community carries the Soko totem, the chidawo Nyadawa, and additional praise names Zinyemba and Chirombo. They belong to the Zumba tribe, speaking chiZumba, and their area is known as Kawoko. The headman is selected by the people of the Kawoko house and formally appointed by the chief, with collateral succession.
Villages under Headman David include: Bulawa Ben, Chawawa, Chigubu, Chingwaru, Chipuriro, Chiudzingo, Chiwayi, Dyegora, Joho/Joe, Kamoti, Kamusewu, Kanyepi, Kasere, Kazuwa, Kwendambairi, Mashambanaka, Moswa, Muromba, Musora, Muyengwa, Nyamukapa, Gadaga, Chari II, Chidyamudungwe, Chikwere, Chipfiyamiti, Chisango, Chivinge, Dende, Funu, Kadange, Kamoto, Kamusuwa, Kapondoro, Katiyo II, Kondo, Madyagwawawa, Mondamapango, Mukanganise, Musani II, Mutanga, Moyoswiyi, and Zambure.
Role of the Headman Cases are received from the kraalheads listed above, with court convening on any day. Appeals proceed to Chief Nyajina.
Headman Chimaga
This community belongs to the Soko totem, with the chidawo Nyadawa, and forms part of the Zumba tribe, speaking chiZumba. Their area is called Magadu. The headman is selected through the mudzimu, with a svikiro assisting in leadership selection.
Origins This clan first settled near Gotokoto Hill, later moving to Rongwe-Rongwe Mountain, and subsequently to Chomupunga Hill, where the current headman resides.
Villages under Headman Chimaga include: Chaitezvi, Chari, Chigwerere, Chimaga, Chitimbe, Foto, Ganda, Gwashawanhu, Jaya, Kakowa, Kangara, Kapere, Machekera, Magaya, Mashanga, Matuku II, Mishi, Muchero, Mudzimbasekwa, Munemo, Mukwati, Mutemaringa, Mutize, Muzembe II, Namburo, Nenzou, Chakuwinga, Chidawa, Chikuwira, Chimina, Dumbura, Gahadzikwa, Gotora, Jaji, Kagwidzu, Kamucheka, Kanyasa, Machanze, Madziya, Magora, Marewa, Mbizi, Muchatuki, Muchekechi, Mukonzi, Mupanduki, Mutano, Mutengambiri, Muza II, Makiwa I, Ndiya, Nyanyiwa, Rakafa, Tafirenyika, Tambara, Teyani, Zvomuya I, Rimayi, Takawira II, Tendai, Zanga, and Zvomuya II.
Role of the Headman Cases are received from all kraals, with court convening daily. Appeals proceed to Chief Nyajina.
CHIEF CHIRINDA
This lineage carries the Nzou totem, the chidawo Mukotami, with praise names including Samanyanga, Maringa, and Mhukahuru. They belong to the Korekore tribe, and their area is known as Maramba. The chief is appointed by clan elders through consensus, supported by a svikiro. The tribe’s midzimu are Nemanguwe, Nomawuya, and Nyamakavi.
Genealogy The succession begins with Nemangowe, followed by Nemawuyo, Duri, Mutowe, Mudziviri, Gwati, Chirinda, Chisaya, and Dzungudza. A parallel middle branch runs from Mugango through Mukanagachiropa, Kacheche, then splits into Chinomana and Chibondo; Chinomana was followed by Chinangu and Chikomo, while Chibondo was followed by Chiutsi. A third branch begins with Nyahunzvi, followed by Buchu (possibly Bushu), then Svisiro.
Origins The tribe is said to have originated in the Mount Darwin area, with no notable migration legends recorded. Of the chiefdom’s four main families, three are eligible to inherit the chieftainship; the fourth, the Mangere family, is barred from succession by the midzimu due to the harsh rule of Nyanhewe from that line.
Headman Mananganutse and his followers moved into the area from Pfungwe. Other groups dispersed from this area to elsewhere: the Chitedzi to Uzumba, and Mondamapango and Konji to Madziva Tribal Trust Land in Shamva.
Role of the Chief Cases are received from all kraalheads; those within the headman’s jurisdiction are directed first to the headman, with appeals proceeding to the chief. Court convenes on Tuesdays and Fridays, with Tsiga and Erija serving as court assessors.
Villages in the Chirinda community include: Mangeri, Potaringa, Nyahungwe, Kagonda, Gandu, Chidyiramumba, Chikono, Chidziva, Togo, Pasipamire, Makaranu, Matongorere, and Makuwatsine.
Boundary To the north, the chiefdom borders Mananganutse’s territory. To the east, the boundary is the Nyadiri River. To the south, it borders Uzumba Tribal Trust Land along the Masiyandima stream and Shamva River. To the west, the boundary is the Mazowe River.
Headman Mananganutse
This community carries the Nzou totem, the chidawo Mukotami, and the praise name Samanyanga. They belong to the Korekore tribe, speak Korekore, and their area is known as Guyu.
Genealogy Detailed records are limited; the succession runs from Mukono to Kasindi, then Parichaduka, followed by Mananganutse.
Origins Oral history holds that upon the community’s arrival in this area, Chief Chinanga granted them the land. The group originally came from Pfungwe, tracing further origins to territory further north.
Villages in this area include: Chasaiya, Masango Chiweshe, Chichetu, Tsiga, Reza, Hodzi II, Mananganutse, Nhete, Chibundu, Mhako, Mushambi, Chimunhu, and Karara.
Boundary To the north, the area borders Pfungwe. To the east, the boundary is the Nyadiri River. To the south, it borders Chirinda’s territory. To the west, the boundary is the Mazowe River.
Role of the Headman Cases are received from the kraals, with court convening on Tuesdays and Fridays. Land authority rests with the chief, though matters are traditionally first directed to the headman.
CHIEF CHITSUNGO
This community belongs to the Pfungwe tribe, speaks chiPfungwe, and their area is named Pfungwe. The chief is selected by the people together with the Mhondoro, following collateral succession, with a svikiro assisting in leadership selection.
History Historical detail on the Chitsungo lineage derives from notes recorded by Mr. F.A. Marr, Native Commissioner, at a meeting held in the Pfungwe Reserve in August 1943. Chitsungo held the chieftainship at the time of occupation but died shortly thereafter. Chinyerere, followed by Mapika, led until approximately 1916. Jamari, also known as Chihota, was convicted of perjury in 1926 and died in prison soon after. Following Jamari’s conviction, Mutata — a headman unrelated to any of the four ruling houses — was appointed to act as chief and served in that capacity until his death in 1942.
According to the family tree, the succession begins with Chipanzwe, followed by Nyaruwe, Chitewe, Masveto, Chitsungo, and Chinyerere.
Villages in the Chitsungo community include: Chakupa, Chibundu, Chinyama, Chitaike, Chiwunye, Deke, Jaji, Jeke, Kademeteme, Karimatsenga, Chaparapata, Chidakwa, Chitiyo, Chiwapure, Damaba kushambe, Gurupira, Jamari, Jonasi, Kanamo, Katsamudanga, Kunditsungira, Munyangamura, Nyabaruro, Nyamudehondo, Nyanjera, Sose, Togarepi, Togo, Matimura, Maringa, Nyakusamwa, Nyandoro, Sanzu, Sosera, and Zunzanyika.
Boundary To the north, the chiefdom borders Mount Darwin district. To the east, it borders Mutoko district. To the south, it borders Maramba Tribal Trust Land. To the west, it borders Shamva and Mount Darwin districts.
Role of the Chief Cases are received from all kraals within the chief’s own area, along with appeals from Headmen Chiunze and Karamba. Further appeals proceed to the District Commissioner.
Headman Chiunze
This community carries the Nhari totem, the chidawo Munendoro, and the praise name Mutsonga. They belong to the Mapuka tribe, their area is known as Chipinda, and they speak chiKorekore. The headman is appointed by the chief and his people, with the Mhondoro approving the selection and a svikiro assisting in the process.
History This community originally migrated from Harahwa-Nyandoro into Mutoko district before finally settling in Pfungwe. Through marriage into the royal family of the Chitsungo chieftaincy, they secured a favoured position that has continued since. As vazukuru, they traditionally serve as advisers to the chief.
Villages in the Chiunze community include: Chimukono, Mkango, Bvumbu, Gachira, Nhadziso, Kuyangwa, Siyakurima, Tubu, Mutata, Nyamukondiwa, Matevere, Muzarabani, Tokoti, Kanyonganise, Chibukwa, Chipfurutse, Makuni, Tsoro, Kuyimba, Mtekede, Yanayi, Kahwiti, Chiunze, Musware, and Mukari.
Role of the Headman Cases are heard from the kraals, with court convening on all weekdays. Appeals proceed to Chief Chitsungo. The headman adjudicates all matters except murder, adultery, and divorce, with Nyause (muzukuru) and Pondoro (married to his niece) serving as court assessors.
Headman Karamba
This community carries the Shava totem, the chidawo Ziruwi, and additional praise names Chihwa and Makonde. They belong to the Korekore tribe, speak chiPfungwe (Korekore), and their area is known as Madacheche. The headman is appointed by the chief with popular support.
History The Karamba people trace their origins to Nyandoro, as do the Chiunze people, though the precise location of the original Nyandoro settlement remains uncertain — understood only to lie “somewhere in the north,” in the Zambezi Valley.
Villages in the Karamba community include: Mutize, Mapisa, Swekese, Njinda, Chisuku, Dzoro, Maworera, Chipuriro, Mkona, Kabvura, Nyakaringa, Chapinduka, Katsande, Karamba, Mabiza, Chakaipa, Kasiku, Chareka, Mususa, Mutepeya, Bomba, Chatseka, Ngota Mukota, Mavura, Dewe, Muchenje, Purazi, Chikwenya, Chindorobe, and Maworera.
No boundary was recorded for this area.
Role of the Headman Cases are received from the kraals listed above, with court convening on Mondays and Fridays. Appeals proceed to Chief Chitsungo.
Source: National Archives S2929/3/1-6.
Research conducted by Dr. Joshua Kumbani, an established academic in Archaeology who has lectured at a number of universities in South Africa, Spain, and Germany.
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