R.U.N.N Band Member Peter Muparutsa Dragged to Chief Mutasa’s Court by Nephew

Peter "Cool Dude" Muparutsa (image source)

In a surreal collision of fame, family, and folklore, musician and producer Peter Muparutsa—of Epworth’s celebrated R.U.N.N family band—has been summoned to appear before Chief Mutasa’s court, facing shocking accusations of witchcraft and ritual murder from his own nephew, Macdonald Mparutsa.

The dramatic turn follows Mparutsa’s rising success as a music producer and family band figurehead. According to court summons details circulated in local media, Macdonald alleges that his uncle traveled to Mozambique and killed a woman in a ritual intended to bestow fame and artistic power. The nephew asserts the killing was witchcraft-based, and demands traditional adjudication under the authority of Chief Mutasa.

Zimbabwe’s traditional justice system, represented by community chiefs, remains socially powerful—handling ritual- and reputation-related disputes outside of the formal courts. The accused appear before the chief, who hears witnesses, reviews local evidence, and issues customary sanctions (fines, public orders, or rituals of cleansing). Whether Mparutsa accepts the chief’s process or pushes for a civil court hearing remains to be seen.

Observers warn of risks on both sides. For Peter, unresolved accusations could damage his public image and stall his career—even without formal charges. For Macdonald, invoking witchcraft against a prominent musician may prompt community backlash or charges of defamation if the court rules in favor of his uncle. The elder Mparutsa’s decision—to submit to customary investigation or seek refuge in civil jurisdiction—will reflect his calculation of reputational and legal stakes.

Beyond the individuals, the case spotlights broader tensions over customary authority in Zimbabwe—its legitimacy, evidentiary standards, and emotional weight. In recent years, witchcraft claims have fueled family rifts, political smear, and even violence, often resolved outside formal police systems. Whether Chief Mutasa’s court can navigate this explosive spectacle without inflaming rumors or resort to punitive exclusion goes beyond a single family—it resonates in communities still split between modern law and ancient beliefs.

The Southerton Business Times will follow this case closely: who testifies, what ritual or fine is ordered, and if civil penalties follow. As the band’s brand and a man’s reputation hang in the balance, one thing is certain: this is no ordinary family dispute.