Law expert, Alex Tawanda Magaisa has said it is possible for two opposition MDC activists who were wrongfully jailed to receive compensation.
The activists, Tungamirai Madzokere and Last Maengahama who were arrested and jailed at Chikurubi Prison in 2016 for allegedly killing a police officer were found not guilty by the Supreme Court.
They had already served 8 years of their 20-year jail time when they were acquitted this week.
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Speaking on the prospects of the wrongfully jailed MDC activist getting compensation, Magaisa who is a former Chief of Staff in the office of the late former Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai said:
_So many have asked whether Last Maingehama and Tungamirai Madzokere are entitled to compensation. The question sounds odd to legal ears because the answer is plain. But I understand why people are asking. At law, any person who suffers a wrong has the right to sue for damages._
_When Jestina Mukoko was wrongfully abducted & tortured in 2008, not only was her prosecution stopped by the court, she sued and won damages against the State. It took an inordinately long time to receive her compensation. But her case stands as a good & recent precedent._
A number of people have in the recent past approached the courts seeking compensation for wrongful arrests and detentions.
This year, Home Affairs minister, Kazembe Kazembe avoided spending 60 days in prison by paying ZW$199 500 as compensation to a Gweru-based student who was illegally arrested and brutally assaulted by police in 2018.
More: Pindula News