ZIMURA Boss’s Fraud Conviction Sparks Heated Debate in Zimbabwe’s Entertainment Industry
In a development that has sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe’s music and entertainment circles, Polisile Ncube Chimhini, the Executive Director of the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA), was recently convicted of fraud by Harare Magistrate Rufaro Panavanhu. While she was acquitted of forgery charges, the court found her guilty of fraud, a ruling that has ignited significant discussion and controversy within the local entertainment industry.
Details of the Allegations
The fraud conviction relates to allegations that Chimhini submitted a forged CR6 document during the registration process of ZIMURA. The CR6 form is a critical document required by the Registrar of Companies to verify the authenticity of an organization’s registration details. Prosecutors argued that the document submitted on April 12, 2023, was not registered with the Department of Deeds, Companies and Intellectual Property at the time it was filed, constituting fraud against the state and undermining the integrity of the registration process. The CR6 was only officially registered on January 15, 2024, after a police report had already been filed. Although the forgery charge was dismissed, the court found sufficient evidence to convict her of fraud based on this submission.
Connection to Investigator Phillip Chipfumbu
The case was brought forward following a complaint by Phillip Chipfumbu, who filed for a forensic audit of ZIMURA at the High Court. Chipfumbu discovered the irregularity with the CR6 document, which triggered the investigation leading to Chimhini’s conviction. His role as the complainant and investigator was pivotal in exposing the alleged fraudulent submission.
Connection to Sebastian Magacha and Industry Concerns
This legal controversy has gained further attention due to ongoing concerns raised by gospel star Sebastian Magacha regarding royalty payments from ZIMURA. Magacha revealed he earned only about US$120 in royalties last year, highlighting frustrations among musicians about the transparency and fairness of royalty distributions by the association. Many artists feel that ZIMURA’s governance challenges, underscored by this legal case, may be contributing to delays and low payouts.
ZIMURA’s Official Press Statement
In response to the conviction, ZIMURA released the following official statement:
“The Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) wishes to inform all stakeholders and the public that it strongly disagrees with the recent court ruling convicting our Executive Director, Polisile Ncube Chimhini, of fraud. We consider the verdict unfair and are confident that the appeal process will provide a just outcome.
ZIMURA remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the protection of artists’ rights. We stand firmly behind our leadership and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that creators receive fair royalties and that the organization operates with the highest ethical standards.
We urge all members of the music community and the public to remain calm and patient as we pursue the appeal. Our focus remains on advancing the interests of Zimbabwean artists and strengthening the music industry as a whole.
We thank our supporters for their continued trust and solidarity during this challenging period.”
— Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA), June 2025
Industry Reaction and Appeal Plans
ZIMURA has publicly declared its intention to appeal the conviction, standing firmly behind its leader as it prepares for the next legal steps. This case comes at a critical time for Zimbabwe’s music rights sector, which has been striving to strengthen governance and protect artists’ royalties.
The conviction has sparked widespread debate about accountability, transparency, and leadership within Zimbabwe’s entertainment institutions. Fans, artists, and industry professionals alike are calling for clarity and justice, emphasizing the need for strong, ethical leadership to safeguard the interests of creators.
As ZIMURA prepares to challenge the verdict, the entertainment community remains engaged, hopeful that the appeal will bring a fair resolution. This episode serves as a reminder of the complex challenges faced by institutions managing intellectual property rights in Zimbabwe and the importance of maintaining trust and integrity in the process.
