Police Shooting Victim Demands US$15 000 Compensation
A teenager from Chitungwiza has sued ZRP Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga and Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage minister Kazembe Kazembe for damages amounting to US$15 000 after he was shot and injured by police officers who were pursuing a robbery suspect.
Tashinga Mugwara (19) was accidentally shot at a fuel station at Taita Shops in Chitungwiza by police officers on 27 June.
The bullet went through his lower body, resulting in his suffering severe abdominal injuries.
Mugwara’s lawyer, Tinashe Chinopfukutwa from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) submitted:
Mugwara will potentially suffer from adhesive bowel obstruction in future as a result of the injuries he sustained owing to the unwarranted shooting by ZRP officers.
… Mugwara was unarmed and had not threatened the law enforcement agents in any way which justified their resort to severe force.
Chinopfukutwa said Mugwara suffered damages amounting to US$5 000 for pain and suffering, US$5 000 for contumelia and affront to dignity as well as US$5 000 for future medical expenses.
Mugwara is also claiming payment of US$183 and $24 351 for medical expenses which he incurred following the shooting. | The Standard
