Memory Sibanda, the widow of Onward Machangara who was allegedly killed in cold blood by two police officers has filed a lawsuit against Police Commissioner-General, Godwin Matanga and Home affairs minister, Cain Mathema for $540 000 in compensation.
In her founding affidavit, Sibanda said on March 4 her husband and colleague were stopped by armed police officers while driving a truckload of firewood in Southlea Park and ordered to lie on the ground. She explained:
The friend followed the order and lay down but Machangara refused. Instead, he asked his friend to stand up. The police officer threatened to shoot Machangara but still, he did not comply.
The police officer cocked his AK rifle and shot him on his upper back. The bullet pierced through his collar bone. He fell to the ground and died on the spot.
Sibanda filed the lawsuit at the High Court where she claims to have suffered trauma over her husband’s death and having to look after 6 children on her own.
The $540 000 is split as follows, $500 000 being damages for loss of support, $20 000 being damages for the nervous shock she suffered as a result of the traumatic circumstances of her husband’s death and $20 000 for funeral expenses.