Former Coalition Facilitator Awarded US$204,800 as Settlement for Assault at Late MDC-T Leader’s Homestead

Moreprecision Muzadzi, a close contact hired by the late MDC-T leader, Mr. Morgan Tsvangirai, to facilitate coalition talks with potential political allies before the 2013 election, has been awarded US$204,800 for breach of contract and damages resulting from an assault he suffered at the opposition leader’s homestead.

Originally from the same village in Buhera as Mr. Tsvangirai, Muzadzi, now residing in Harare, claimed that he was employed to facilitate coalition negotiations with prospective allies on behalf of MDC-T ahead of the 2013 election. He also filed a lawsuit against Mr. Tsvangirai’s brother, Manasa, and former MDC-T deputy national chairman, Mr. Morgan Komichi, seeking damages for an alleged assault that took place at the politician’s residence. Initially, the claim was for US$84,800, but after denial of liability by Morgan Tsvangirai, the claim was increased to US$204,800.

Eventually, Manasa reached a settlement with Mr. Muzadzi, agreeing to the revised amount of US$204,800, in addition to a Nissan NP200 vehicle. A deed of settlement was endorsed by Justice Tawanda Chitapi of the High Court last week.

According to Mr. Muzadzi, he was promised a payment of $7,500 and a Nissan NP200 valued at $22,412 for his services. He is also seeking $50,000 in damages for the violence he allegedly endured when he demanded his $7,800 fees and the promised vehicle at the politician’s residence.

The settlement document, signed by Manasa Tsvangirai in April 2019, stipulates that the defendants agree to pay Mr. Muzadzi US$84,800 for the work done and damages resulting from the assault, as previously agreed upon before Justice Wamambo. The settlement also includes US$50,000 for perjury, US$40,000 for breach of contract, and US$30,000 for libel damages, serving as the final settlement.

The decision to settle out of court was made in response to a suggestion by Justice Clara Phiri, who had raised a query regarding an out-of-court resolution. In 2017, the High Court granted a default judgment against Morgan Tsvangirai, his brother, and Mr. Komichi, but their legal representatives challenged the decision. The court later rescinded the default judgment, resulting in the matter being scheduled for a hearing on the opposed roll.

The court ruling implies that the late Mr. Tsvangirai’s family may not benefit significantly from his estate, as domestic workers and other employees are claiming salary arrears amounting to US$150,000, further encumbering the assets.

In his claim, Mr. Muzadzi stated that those being sued engaged him to negotiate with other opposition party leaders, persuading them not to contest the 2013 general elections and instead support Mr. Tsvangirai. He asserted that they held several meetings with various Western embassies in pursuit of the objective of having a single opposition presidential candidate.

Mr. Tsvangirai passed away on February 14, 2018, at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre in South Africa after battling colon cancer. He received a State-assisted funeral and was laid to rest at his rural home in Humanikwa Village, Buhera. An inventory filed by his surviving spouse, Ms. Elizabeth Macheka, in 2018 listed his assets, including a house in Strathaven, Harare, and six vehicles, one of which is being claimed by a South African company. The estate also includes approximately 45 cattle located in Kwekwe and Buhera. While concerns were raised regarding the possibility of assets being omitted from the estate registration by Ms. Macheka, her inventory was accepted at the Master’s office.

Efforts by the Master of the High Court to obtain the distribution account from the estate’s two executors, Mr. Innocent Chagonda and Mr. Charles Maungwa, have been fruitless since 2018. It is understood that the family intends to address the estate of the late Mrs. Susan Tsvangirai, who passed away before Mr. Tsvangirai.

Despite being hailed as a distinguished labor activist, Mr. Tsvangirai’s gardeners, housemaids, security guards, and personal assistants have voiced grievances over unpaid salaries. At least six workers are now seeking a share of the estate, with each claiming an average amount of approximately US$11,000 in outstanding wages.