Three former police constables regained their positions after nearly a decade of legal proceedings that followed their 2016 termination. Kenneth Tsiwo, Trouble Chikwati and Last Mabvuregudo faced dismissal over allegations they smuggled items from Zambia into Zimbabwe on Friday, June 25, 2009. The officers challenged their removal in the High Court in April 2016, claiming that authorities denied them 72 hours to mount a defense and refused them legal counsel.
High Court Judge Francis Bere identified problems with disciplinary procedures and criticized record-keeping failures in police trials. Former Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri dismissed recommendations from a suitability board that supported reinstatement. Mabvuregudo said trial officials rushed the proceedings and held hearings at night without adequate preparation time.
The Supreme Court sent the matter back for review after police argued the High Court prevented them from submitting case records. When Chihuri failed to produce documentation at the new hearing, Justice Ngoni Nduna ordered the men restored to their former positions. Attorney Dereck Kossam from Liberty Mcijo and Associates represented the constables through the proceedings.
High Court Judge Francis Bere identified problems with disciplinary procedures and criticized record-keeping failures in police trials. Former Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri dismissed recommendations from a suitability board that supported reinstatement. Mabvuregudo said trial officials rushed the proceedings and held hearings at night without adequate preparation time.
The Supreme Court sent the matter back for review after police argued the High Court prevented them from submitting case records. When Chihuri failed to produce documentation at the new hearing, Justice Ngoni Nduna ordered the men restored to their former positions. Attorney Dereck Kossam from Liberty Mcijo and Associates represented the constables through the proceedings.
