The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has obtained a court order compelling a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) official Jefinias Mazambani, Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga and Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe to pay ZWL$151 000 as compensation to an assault victim.
According to a statement by ZLHR, Mazambani brutally assaulted a 15-year-old boy in 2019 while he was investigating the theft of a mobile phone handset in Mutare’s high-density suburb of Sakubva.
The 15-year-old minor bled profusely as a result of the assault by Mazambani.
The boy was released from police custody without being charged. But despite being released from police custody without any charges pressed against him, police officers continued making impromptu visits to the juvenile’s residence and continued assaulting him.
The minor sustained injuries which include a perforated eardrum, facial swelling and swelling on his knees.
The minor’s parents engaged Peggy Tavagadza of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, who sued ZRP for inhuman and degrading treatment after he was handcuffed and assaulted by Mazambani.
In his judgment, Mutare Resident Magistrate Lazarus Murendo ruled that the assault of the minor by Mazambani was severe and he suffered excruciating pain hence he should be paid damages amounting to ZWL$151 191 as compensation.
– Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights –