In a landmark ruling, a Zimbabwean court has ordered Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Commander Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Matatu and Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri to pay compensation to two men who were brutally assaulted by soldiers during the 2019 fuel protests.

Felix Mafondokoto, 44, was shot on January 19, 2019, while soldiers were clearing crowds, despite not being part of the demonstrations. He still has bullet fragments in his body and sought legal help from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR). The court ruled that Matatu and Muchinguri must pay Mafondokoto US$29,182 in damages.

In a separate incident, Muchademba Muponde was beaten with a gun by a soldier on January 16, 2019, while accompanying his grandfather to buy a chicken. Muponde sustained injuries to his legs and back and was awarded ZiG45,976 in compensation.

The court rejected Matatu and Muchinguri’s attempt to shift blame, holding them liable for the brutality. ZLHR welcomed the rulings as a hard-fought victory for the victims. “Victims of brutality perpetrated by some soldiers have begun accessing justice,” they posted.

This ruling sets a significant precedent, holding high-ranking officials accountable for the actions of their subordinates. It’s a step towards justice and accountability in Zimbabwe.

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