Zimbabwe Chiefs Warned Against Posting Court Proceedings Online As Muguti Pushes New Rules
Zimbabwe’s Local Government and Public Works Permanent Secretary Tafadzwa Muguti has told traditional leaders to stop recording court proceedings and posting the footage on social media. He says the practice could undermine the dignity of traditional courts and discourage people from bringing disputes before chiefs for resolution.
Muguti made the remarks during a meeting with provincial councils of chiefs in Harare on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. He also announced that the government was facilitating amendments to the Traditional Leaders Act to address practices in traditional courts.
Muguti Wants Cellphones Banned In Chiefs’ Courts
Muguti argued that people might avoid seeking help from traditional leaders if they feared their cases would be shared publicly online.
“We should not be allowing cellphones in the chief’s court, where a case is being heard in confidentiality,” he said.
He warned that recordings could expose people’s private disputes and discourage community members from reporting matters to chiefs.
Muguti also questioned why some traditional leaders appeared to be seeking popularity through online videos of court proceedings.
“Let us respect the chief’s court; let’s respect our heritage,” he said.
He added that the government was working on amendments to the Traditional Leaders Act. Muguti also called for a national disciplinary structure for traditional leaders, arguing that the current arrangements were inadequate.
Government Plans Changes To Traditional Leaders Act
Muguti said the proposed amendments would address gaps in the legislation governing traditional leaders, including the absence of a national disciplinary structure within the National Chiefs’ Council.
His comments came amid questions about whether filming proceedings in chiefs’ courts should be restricted under the existing legal framework.
Lawyer and politician Fadzayi Mahere challenged Muguti’s position, arguing that he did not have the constitutional authority to direct chiefs or determine changes to the law.
Mahere cited Section 282(3) of the Constitution and Section 20 of the Customary Law and Local Courts Act in support of her argument. She also said any amendments would have to follow the proper legislative process.
The proposed changes have put the spotlight on how traditional courts handle proceedings, the privacy of people appearing before chiefs and the legal framework governing these community institutions.
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