ZNA Pays Over ZiG800,000 To Two Victims of Army Brutality

Two victims of military brutality have finally received compensation from the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), marking a rare but significant victory for survivors of state-sponsored violence.

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) confirmed that Felix Mafondokoto and Muchademba Muponde, both residents of Harare, have been paid by the ZNA following successful lawsuits for human rights violations committed by soldiers during a violent crackdown on anti-government protests in January 2019.

Mafondokoto, now 44, was shot by soldiers on 19 January 2019 as the army dispersed crowds protesting against fuel price hikes and the deepening economic crisis under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

Although he was not involved in the protests, he suffered serious injuries and was hospitalised, with bullet fragments still lodged in his body to this day.

Mafondokoto, who was represented by lawyer Kossam Ncube of ZLHR, sued Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri and ZNA Commander Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Matatu, demanding US$49,000 in damages for pain, suffering, loss of income, and medical costs. The Harare Civil Court awarded him US$29,182, which was paid in ZiG786,956.

Muponde’s ordeal began on 16 January 2019, when soldiers attacked him while he was out shopping with his grandfather in Glenview. After witnessing soldiers chasing civilians, Muponde tried to flee but was caught by one of the soldiers, who beat him with the butt of a firearm on his back and head, causing heavy bleeding and internal injuries. The assault continued even after he sought refuge at a nearby house.

Muponde, represented by ZLHR lawyer Tinashe Chinopfukutwa, also took legal action against the Defence Minister and the army commander. He was awarded ZiG45,976 in compensation by the Harare Civil Magistrates Court.

During trial proceedings, Muchinguri and Matatu argued they were not liable for the soldiers’ actions, claiming the troops had been placed under the control of the Zimbabwe Republic Police. However, the courts rejected this defence and held them accountable.

ZLHR applauded the rulings, saying the successful civil lawsuits help combat impunity and send a clear message that human rights violations by security forces will not go unchallenged.

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