Presidential spokesman Charamba hints Muguti overstepped his authority

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has appeared to suggest that former Local Government and Public Works Permanent Secretary Tafadzwa Muguti overstepped his authority by interfering in matters concerning the country’s judicial system.

Charamba, who posts on social media under the name Jamwanda, made the remarks in a post discussing the status of traditional leaders’ courts and the media’s right to cover their proceedings.

Although he did not mention Muguti by name, his comments have drawn attention because the former Permanent Secretary had recently courted controversy over remarks concerning the conduct of proceedings in traditional leaders’ courts.

In the post, Charamba argued that traditional leaders’ courts form part of Zimbabwe’s judicial system and that members of the Executive cannot independently impose rules on them without violating the principle of separation of powers.

He wrote:

“Court proceedings amount to ‘privileged communication’ for the media which can cover those proceedings without let or hindrance except those set by the same courts. Chief’s courts are part of the court system of the country. They are part of the Judiciary and no member of the Executive Branch can set rules for those courts without breaching the doctrine of separation of powers.”

Charamba added that judicial officers, rather than government officials, had the authority to determine whether proceedings should be conducted publicly or in camera.

“If there is anything untoward in the way proceedings are handled by those courts, it is up to higher courts to call the judicial officers concerned to order,” he said.

He further stated that judicial officers could decide which cases should be heard publicly and which should be held in camera.

“No government official can bar the media from covering court proceedings; only judicial officers in charge of those proceedings can,” Charamba added.

His remarks appear to touch on a controversy involving Muguti, who had previously spoken about restricting the use of mobile phones and the recording of proceedings in traditional leaders’ courts. He had argued that cases heard in those forums should remain confidential.

Muguti’s comments attracted criticism over whether a Permanent Secretary in the Executive had the authority to determine how traditional courts should conduct their proceedings or regulate media access to them.

The dispute raised wider questions about the constitutional separation of powers, the independence of the Judiciary and the limits of executive authority over traditional leaders’ courts.

*Muguti’s brief and controversial tenure*

Muguti’s short tenure as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works was characterised by tough public pronouncements, controversial directives and confrontations that repeatedly raised questions about his approach to public administration.

From clashes over informal trading and demolitions to controversial statements on disaster relief, traditional leadership and public policy, the former Permanent Secretary frequently found himself at the centre of public debate.

His reported tensions with individuals associated with the politically connected network popularly known as Zvigananda also attracted attention, particularly after a leaked audio recording published by ZimEye in January 2026 captured him issuing an angry warning to people he accused of interfering with government directives on riverbed and alluvial mining.

In the recording, Muguti insisted that he was conducting government business and would not be intimidated by politically connected individuals.

“I don’t like being threatened,” he said, before warning: “Don’t ever threaten me — and if you aim for me, you better not miss.”

He further insisted: “This is government business, not party business.”

The allegations he made against those he confronted were not independently established.

Another controversial episode occurred during Operation Chenesa Harare, when Muguti confronted a disabled informal trader in Harare’s Central Business District. In footage of the incident, he was heard instructing council police: “Mutorei muyende naye” (Take him away with you).

The vendor was subsequently bundled into a council truck, triggering public outrage over the treatment of a vulnerable informal trader.

Muguti also courted controversy in September 2025 when he announced a blanket prohibition on tinted vehicle windows, warning motorists to remove the tint or face enforcement. His announcement was challenged by senior government figures, with Charamba questioning its legal basis and Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi clarifying that no such prohibition existed.

During his earlier public administration career, Muguti also faced legal challenges. In 2021, while serving as Harare Provincial Development Coordinator, he faced a High Court challenge after directing non-governmental organisations to submit operational information to his office and threatening action against those that failed to comply. The court subsequently restrained interference with their operations.

In 2022, he was named in contempt proceedings over alleged defiance of a court order concerning informal traders’ structures. The allegations in those proceedings should not be treated as a finding of guilt.

More recently, his directives requiring organisations and individuals seeking to assist communities affected by a devastating hailstorm in Masvingo Province to coordinate relief efforts through government structures attracted criticism. While government coordination is important during disasters, critics questioned whether restrictions on independent relief initiatives could delay assistance to vulnerable families.

*Muguti replaced after two months*

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has replaced Muguti with Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa, who previously served as Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Province.

The appointment was announced on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya. The appointment was made in terms of Section 205(1) of the Constitution and took immediate effect.

Muguti had assumed the Local Government and Public Works portfolio in September 2026, replacing Dr John Basera, who was reassigned to the Zimbabwe Land Commission.

The Government has not publicly explained the reasons for Muguti’s removal or announced his next assignment.

Charamba’s post has nevertheless added a new dimension to the debate surrounding the former Permanent Secretary’s departure. It raises questions about whether his comments on traditional courts and the limits of executive authority may have contributed to tensions within government.

However, neither Charamba nor the Government has explicitly confirmed that Muguti was removed for interfering with the justice system.

Muguti’s brief tenure leaves behind a record of confrontations and contested directives, while Charamba’s intervention has brought renewed attention to a fundamental constitutional principle: executive officials cannot simply assume powers that belong to the Judiciary. *_-ZimEye_*