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Oppah Muchinguri faces jail
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DEFENCE Minister Oppah Muchinguri faces a possible six-month jail term after a victim of the August 2018 military shootings filed a High Court application seeking to have her held in contempt of court for allegedly failing to comply with an order to pay US$25,000 in compensation.
According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), Muchinguri agreed in July 2025 to compensate Zakeyo Mutimutema, a former employee of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), following a lawsuit arising from injuries he sustained during the post-election violence of August 1, 2018.
Mutimutema sued Muchinguri together with Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe and Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba, seeking damages for current and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and general damages.
The claim stems from the deployment of soldiers to quell protests in Harare over alleged electoral irregularities and delays in the announcement of the 2018 presidential election results. At least six people were killed during the crackdown.
According to court papers, Mutimutema, a labour law specialist, was inside his offices at Gorlon House in central Harare when soldiers allegedly fired at the building. A bullet shattered the windows, sending glass fragments into his eyes and causing serious injuries that resulted in partial loss of sight.
ZLHR said Mutimutema has since undergone three unsuccessful eye surgeries in attempts to remove the glass particles lodged in his eyes.
The High Court subsequently ordered Muchinguri in July 2025 to pay US$25,000 in compensation.
However, through his lawyer, Obey Shava of ZLHR, Mutimutema has now filed an application seeking Muchinguri's committal for contempt of court.
He is asking the High Court to declare the Defence Minister in contempt for allegedly wilfully failing to comply with the compensation order and to sentence her to six months' imprisonment, wholly suspended on condition that she pays the outstanding amount within seven days.
In the application, Mutimutema argues that Muchinguri deliberately ignored the court order and several demands for payment without lawful justification.
He contends that her alleged failure to comply undermines the authority of the courts and constitutes contempt.
The latest legal challenge comes amid continued calls for justice for victims of the August 2018 military crackdown.
A Commission of Inquiry chaired by former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, established by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to investigate the violence, recommended compensation for victims and the prosecution of those responsible.
According to ZLHR, no known victims or their families have been compensated, and no individuals have been prosecuted in connection with the shootings.
The High Court is expected to determine the contempt application in due course.
According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), Muchinguri agreed in July 2025 to compensate Zakeyo Mutimutema, a former employee of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), following a lawsuit arising from injuries he sustained during the post-election violence of August 1, 2018.
Mutimutema sued Muchinguri together with Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe and Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba, seeking damages for current and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and general damages.
The claim stems from the deployment of soldiers to quell protests in Harare over alleged electoral irregularities and delays in the announcement of the 2018 presidential election results. At least six people were killed during the crackdown.
According to court papers, Mutimutema, a labour law specialist, was inside his offices at Gorlon House in central Harare when soldiers allegedly fired at the building. A bullet shattered the windows, sending glass fragments into his eyes and causing serious injuries that resulted in partial loss of sight.
ZLHR said Mutimutema has since undergone three unsuccessful eye surgeries in attempts to remove the glass particles lodged in his eyes.
The High Court subsequently ordered Muchinguri in July 2025 to pay US$25,000 in compensation.
He is asking the High Court to declare the Defence Minister in contempt for allegedly wilfully failing to comply with the compensation order and to sentence her to six months' imprisonment, wholly suspended on condition that she pays the outstanding amount within seven days.
In the application, Mutimutema argues that Muchinguri deliberately ignored the court order and several demands for payment without lawful justification.
He contends that her alleged failure to comply undermines the authority of the courts and constitutes contempt.
The latest legal challenge comes amid continued calls for justice for victims of the August 2018 military crackdown.
A Commission of Inquiry chaired by former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, established by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to investigate the violence, recommended compensation for victims and the prosecution of those responsible.
According to ZLHR, no known victims or their families have been compensated, and no individuals have been prosecuted in connection with the shootings.
The High Court is expected to determine the contempt application in due course.
Source - Pindula
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