RSS 2.0 FeedJuly Vol 3, National News
Activists file US$19m suit over abductions
HARARE – Zimbabwean political activists and a journalist abducted last year by state agents have sued two Cabinet ministers and the agents for a combined US$19.2 million in damages for the unlawful abduction, detention and deprivation of liberty.
HARARE – Zimbabwean political activists and a journalist abducted last year by state agents have sued two Cabinet ministers and the agents for a combined US$19.2 million in damages for the unlawful abduction, detention and deprivation of liberty.
According to High Court documents filed on Tuesday, the activists from Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s MDC party and the journalist are demanding US$1.2 million compensation each.
The plaintiffs are demanding each US$500 000 in damages for unlawful abduction, enforced disappearance, detention incommunicado, arrest and deprivation of liberty; US$100 000 for assault; US$300 000 for torture, pain, shock, suffering and psychological trauma, contumelia and loss of amenities of life; and a further US$300 000 for malicious prosecution.
The activists are Collen Mutemagau, Kisimusi Dhlamini, Audrey Zimbudzana, Zakaria Nkomo, Gandhi Mudzingwa, Fidelis Chiramba, Broderick Takawira, Mapfumo Garutsa, Pascal Gonzo, Tawanda Bvumo, Violet Mupfuranhewe, Chinoto Mukwezaramba, Pieta Kaseke, Regis Mujeye and journalist Andrison Manyere.
They are demanding the compensation from the co-Ministers of Home Affairs, Kembo Mohadi and Giles Mutsekwa, Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa, then Security Minister Didymus Mutasa, Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri, Prisons Commissioner Paradzai Zimondi, and Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) Director-General Happyton Bonyongwe.
Also sued are a senior police assistant commissioner Nyathi, chief superintendent Crispen Makendenge, a detective chief inspector Mpofu, chief superintendent Peter Magwenzi and a host of other senior police officers and state spies allegedly involved in the abduction of the complainants.
The defendants were by yesterday yet to file their opposing papers with the High Court.
The MDC-T activists and Manyere are facing terrorism charges in the High Court, with some of their cases having been referred to the Supreme Court after they raised constitutional questions on their abduction, torture and arrest.
