Chief Charumbira Clarifies Circumstances Surrounding Chief Mapungwana’s Death

Bulawayo – Deputy president of the Chiefs Council of Zimbabwe, Fortune Charumbira, has moved to correct what he described as misleading reports surrounding the death of Manicaland provincial chiefs’ assembly chair and Senator, Chief Mapungwana (born Ananias Mapungwana). Chief Mapungwana died on Monday at a private hospital in Bulawayo after a brief illness.

Addressing the media, Chief Charumbira dismissed claims that the late traditional leader collapsed during Zimbabwe Independence Day celebrations held in Maphisa, Matabeleland South, on Saturday.

“I want to set the record straight… to correct false information that has been peddled,” he said.

According to Charumbira, Chief Mapungwana attended the Uhuru celebrations in Maphisa before travelling to Bulawayo, where he and other chiefs were staying at a local hotel. He said the chief only became critically ill the following day.

Chief Charumbira explained that on Sunday morning, hotel staff raised concerns after noticing a deterioration in Chief Mapungwana’s condition. He was then rushed to a nearby private medical facility for treatment. Fellow chiefs reportedly mobilised funds to facilitate his admission after the hospital required an upfront payment. Medical personnel later indicated that the late chief had underlying health conditions, including a heart problem and elevated blood sugar levels.

“He actually spoke to us at the facility, but by Sunday evening, I was informed that he was on life support,” Charumbira said.

Although there were initial signs of improvement on Monday morning, Chief Charumbira said he was later informed that Chief Mapungwana had passed away in the afternoon. He added that the traditional leader had appeared unwell even before attending the Independence Day commemorations, noting that his condition had visibly deteriorated prior to the trip.

Charumbira urged the media and public to rely on verified information, warning against the spread of inaccurate reports, particularly in sensitive situations involving loss of life. Chief Mapungwana was a respected figure within Zimbabwe’s traditional leadership structures and served as a senator representing chiefs. His death is expected to prompt tributes from government officials, traditional leaders, and communities across Manicaland and beyond.

Chief Mapungwana death