Man sues cops for $500 000

KADOMA - A mine manager who was shot by cops after mistaking him for a criminal is now claiming damages to the tune of $513 750.

Norbert Mangena was shot in the abdomen while travelling in a friend's Audi vehicle in Kadoma on March 23 this year. After the shooting, he was rushed to hospital but he could not be treated in the absence of a police report.

His friend drove to a police station in Kadoma where a formal shooting report was made. The police then brought up charges against him some 11 days after the shooting incident to cover up for the negligence.

Harare lawyer Tazorora Musarurwa on September 24 this year wrote a letter to the Minister of Home Affairs on behalf of Mangena notifying him of the intention to institute legal proceedings against the police.

The letter was copied to the Police Commissioner-General and the Attorney-General (Civil Division).
In the document in question, Mangena is claiming US$3 500 for medical expenses and US$350 000 as compensation for pain and suffering.

He wants US$100 000 for loss of amenities, US$50 000 for unlawful arrest, US$10 500 for future medical expenses and US$2 500 for transport expenses incurred.
According to the letter, Mr Mangena said he had two operations and he spent at least 14 days in hospital.

Mangena claims that police violated several of his rights as enshrined in the Constitution.