TWO teenagers from Lower Gwelo area in the Midlands
province, who were shot and injured by a trigger-happy cop while celebrating
New Year’s Day, are suing the police officer for more than $600 000.
Junior Mathe (18) and Mike Viyo (16) from Lugwalo village
were allegedly shot and injured by Constable Kizito Mahachi while merry-making
during New Year’s Day celebrations at a local business centre.
It was however not stated in court papers why Const
Mahachi, who is based at Maboleni Police Station, opened fire.
Junior and Mike through their lawyer Mr Jabulani Mhlanga
from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), filed summons at the
Bulawayo High Court citing Const Mahachi, the officer-in-charge of Maboleni
Police Station, Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga and Home Affairs and
Cultural Heritage Minister Cain Mathema as defendants.
The two teenagers want an order directing the defendants to
pay them $600 100 being damages for medical bills incurred, trauma, pain and
suffering.
In papers before the court, the plaintiffs said they were
celebrating New Year on January 1, 2019 at Lugwalo Business Centre when Const
Mahachi opened fire and shot them for no apparent reason.
Junior sustained a gunshot wound on his left hand and the
bullet also grazed his stomach while Mike was shot on the ankle and doctors had
to conduct a surgical operation to remove a bullet, which was lodged inside.
“On 1 January 2019, the first defendant (Const Mahachi)
unlawfully and without a just cause, shot and injured the first and second
plaintiffs using his service firearm. The plaintiffs were celebrating New
Year’s Day together with other villagers at Lugwalo Business Centre in Lower
Gwelo,” said Mr Mhlanga.
He said Const Mahachi was being sued in both his personal
and official capacity while the other defendants are facing litigation in their
official capacities.
Mr Mhlanga said although a proper notice of proceedings was
given to the defendants in terms of the section 6 of the State and Liabilities
Act as read with section 70 of the Police Act, the defendants failed or
neglected to pay the money. Chronicle
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