Chief Murinye acquitted in Riverton Academy extortion case
Chief Murinye has been acquitted of extortion charges by the Masvingo Regional Court following a successful application for discharge. The case involved allegations of harassment against a local businessman, but the court ruled the charges were unsubstantiated.
Why it matters
The case highlights ongoing tensions regarding land rights and the intersection of traditional leadership and commercial development in Zimbabwe.
Chief Murinye has been acquitted of extortion by the Masvingo Regional Court in a case arising from a dispute over the establishment of Riverton Academy in his area.
This follows a successful application for discharge.
Regional magistrate Innocent Bepura acquitted the traditional leader, born Ephias Munodawafa, after his lawyer Admire Rubaya applied for his discharge at the close of the State case.
The case was brought by businessman Philemon Mutangiri, who alleged that Murinye demanded electricity at his homestead and a power connection from his fields to Boroma Dam.
Mutangiri also accused the chief of demanding that his children be enrolled at Riverton Academy for free and indefinitely.
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