Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs Ezra Chadzamira has halted Chief Murinye’s attempts to disrupt the operations of Riverton Academy Extension (Murinye) amid a land dispute.
The school is at the centre of a disagreement between Chief Murinye and its owner, Philemon Mutangiri, with the traditional leader accusing Mutangiri of constructing the institution on unapproved grazing land.
Chief Murinye has described the construction of the school as illegal, alleging that it lacks the necessary paperwork.
Following a meeting, during which Chief Murinye reportedly stormed out, Chadzamira said the correct legal channels had been followed, although construction had begun before the paperwork was completed.
“We do not encourage illegal work. As a province, we follow the legal procedures of the government and the development that is encouraged by the President.
“The paperwork is in order. The applications and the approval are there. It is just that the construction of the school has preceded the paperwork,” said Chadzamira.
Chief Murinye’s main contention is that there were underhanded activities that allowed the school to be built on grazing land.
However, Mutangiri has denied the allegations, citing a reported agreement between the two parties that involved the installation of a US$7,000 transformer at the chief’s homestead.
Chadzamira said Riverton Academy Extension (Murinye) is permitted to operate as a satellite school while the outstanding paperwork is being finalised with the relevant authorities.
“Students are at the school. Schools operate as satellites that is when the other one is registered and its paperwork is in order, the other one can operate as a satellite while the paperwork is being finalised,” said Chadzamira.
