via High Court relief for police persecution victims | The Zimbabwean 26 September 2014
The High Court on Wednesday passed a judgement that is likely to put police under check, when it ruled that a victim of harassment be compensated.
High Court judge Makoni ordered compensation for Backie Padzarondora who was assaulted by two Epworth police constables identified as Pereka and Gonzo.
The 68 year old Padzarondora was manhandled by the two details at Epworth Police Station on October 29 last year.
He was handcuffed and struck with fists on the chest and in the stomach for disagreeing with a senior officer in charge of crime at the station.
The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum then helped the victim claim compensation amounting to $3,000 from the accused details in their individual capacities.
The High Court awarded the same amount as damages against Pereka and Gonzo.
The award was given in keeping with Section 52 of the constitution that provides for freedom from all forms of violence by public and private sources, and Section 53 that allows for freedom from torture or cruel treatment.
Violated individuals or groups of people can now sue public officials, the police included, in their personal capacities.
“The Forum feels that the monopoly of coercive power granted to the security forces in Zimbabwe to use reasonable force in justifiable circumstances should not be abused as a tool to intimidate and harass citizens.
“It is the Forum’s hope that our courts will continue to hold members of the security forces accountable for their actions in an effort to eradicate the culture of impunity which is currently pervasive in Zimbabwe,” the NGO forum.
In the past, police and other security officers tortured, raped and even murdered innocent people in politically motivated persecution but could not be sued in their personal capacities.
COMMENTS
Congratulations!
The Baba Jukwa Tokolshe says “Never forget that Chihuri is Migabe’s Mahuri.”
Pmberi mob justice/street revolts
Excellent. Makorokoto. Can the victims of Gukurahundi now sue Bob and his murderers.
They were hiding their “lack of skillful approach to duty” behind unwarranted force. Very soon we will hear them cry that they can no longer operate efficiently for fear of being sued.
A welcome development ! The Police should now remove Force and replace it with Service. It should read Police Service and NOT Police Force.
The most despised people in Zimbabwe! You put on a ZRP uniform and by default you become despised! Sad situation, you are a pathetic people.
The High Court can award compensation, punitive costs etc., but has no power to enforce these awards. Result, if they are against the Government or Officials they are merely ignored.
the zrp will lose all their bribe money in the courts.
I wonder if he will ever get the money.
I cannot see the Messenger of the Court being enthusiastic about collecting this money…..don’t hold your breath. The police will just laugh out loud. No law, no order – chete.
The police have been given free license to beat and intimidate the people of Zimbabwe. This must cease. The police must learn to treat us with respect and that we are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Sadly our courts are similarly compromised.
Kembo mohadi is owed $20000 compensation for unlawful detention in a mid 80s case and he still hasnt been paid