Harare Civil Magistrates awarded compensation to two men who sustained injuries during military operations against 2019 fuel protesters. Felix Mafondokoto received US$29,182 from Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu and Defense Minister Oppah Muchinguri after soldiers shot him on January 19. Bullet fragments remain embedded in his body from the incident. Muchademba Muponde obtained ZiG45,976 for wounds inflicted three days earlier when a soldier assaulted him with a firearm at Glenview 1 Shopping Centre. The attacks occurred during nationwide demonstrations against fuel price increases.
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights represented both victims in separate civil cases. Mafondokoto sustained his injuries while soldiers dispersed crowds despite not participating in protests. A soldier pursued and repeatedly struck Muponde while he accompanied his grandfather to purchase a chicken. Military leaders attempted to transfer responsibility to Zimbabwe Republic Police during court proceedings. Magistrates rejected these arguments and held the defense officials accountable for the violence perpetrated by their subordinates.
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights represented both victims in separate civil cases. Mafondokoto sustained his injuries while soldiers dispersed crowds despite not participating in protests. A soldier pursued and repeatedly struck Muponde while he accompanied his grandfather to purchase a chicken. Military leaders attempted to transfer responsibility to Zimbabwe Republic Police during court proceedings. Magistrates rejected these arguments and held the defense officials accountable for the violence perpetrated by their subordinates.
