Defence Minister Cde Oppah Muchinguri and ZNA Commander Convicted for Assault.
Zimbabwe’s Defence Minister, Oppah Muchinguri, and Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Commander, Lieutenant-General Anselem Sanyatwe, have been convicted for their involvement in the brutal assault of Muchademba Muponde. The court has ordered them to pay compensation exceeding ZiG 41,000 to the victim.
The assault in question took place in 2019 and involved soldiers under the command of Lieutenant-General Sanyatwe. Muchademba Muponde, a Harare resident, was subjected to ill-treatment and physical violence at the hands of these soldiers. The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, representing Muponde, confirmed the conviction of the high-ranking officials and the subsequent compensation ruling.
Magistrate Tamara Chibindi presided over the case and determined that ZiG 20,816 would be awarded to Muponde as damages for the pain, suffering, trauma, and nervous shock he endured. Additionally, ZiG 20,816 would be granted as damages for the affront to his dignity, humiliation, and embarrassment caused by the incident.
Furthermore, the court ruled that Muchinguri and Sanyatwe would be required to pay interest on the total amount of damages from 2019 until the date of payment to Muponde. This decision reflects the court’s commitment to providing fair compensation for the harm suffered by the victim and acknowledges the long-lasting impact of such traumatic incidents.
The conviction of high-ranking officials for their involvement in the assault sends a strong message regarding accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights. It highlights the importance of upholding the principles of justice and ensuring that those responsible for perpetrating acts of violence are held responsible for their actions, regardless of their position or authority.
The case serves as a reminder that no individual, regardless of their status, is above the law. The court’s decision reaffirms the commitment of Zimbabwe’s legal system to safeguarding the rights and well-being of its citizens.
