Zimbabwe army sued US$30,000 over 2019 shootings

The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has been held accountable for the shooting of a civilian during protests over fuel price hikes in 2019, resulting in a successful lawsuit against the Defence ministry.

Felix Mafondokoto, a resident of Chitungwiza, was awarded US$29,182 in compensation after being shot in the backside during the army's crackdown on the protests. Represented by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Mafondokoto filed a lawsuit against the Defence minister and army commander, seeking compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and loss of earnings.

According to court documents, Mafondokoto was accompanying a friend when soldiers indiscriminately attacked civilians, resulting in him being shot by a soldier's accidental discharge of a firearm. Despite the army's denial of deployment on the day in question, the court ruled in favor of Mafondokoto, holding the defendants vicariously liable for the negligent conduct of their officer.

The magistrate determined that Mafondokoto suffered permanent injuries, including ongoing pain and limited ability to work due to the injury. As a result, he was awarded compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, contumelia, and loss of earnings, totaling US$29,182.