Zimbabwe’s Landmark Judgment: Accountability for Army Brutality

Zimbabwe’s justice system has awarded compensation for four civilians who were brutalized by the military, marking a landmark legal win. This ruling has repercussions for a country used to getting away with crimes.

Zimbabwe’s Defense Minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri and National Army Commander Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe are required to pay US$40,000 in damages, according to a finding made by Magistrate Patricia Gwetsayi. This ruling gives victims who are looking for justice a small amount of hope.

The severe 2021 COVID-19 lockdown in Zimbabwe was in effect when the vicious attacks occurred. Soldiers implementing the lockdown regulations tortured Grant Zinyuke, Moreblessing Ncube, Batler Jabangwe, and Mavhuto Kachepa to horrible acts of brutality.

Zinyuke was awarded US$10,000 for the physical and psychological trauma endured. His case, like others, underscores the tragic consequences of excessive force used by the military.

Ncube, a self-employed Shurugwi resident, was beaten while buying airtime to check on his mother’s health. For his suffering, he was awarded US$8,000, an acknowledgment of the brutality that unfolded under the guise of lockdown enforcement.

Jabangwe, a council worker, was attacked while performing his duties. He sustained injuries that left him unable to wear shoes due to persistent pain. His compensation of US$8,000 highlights the ongoing impact of the assault.

The most severe injuries were sustained by Kachepa, who suffered two fractures in his leg after being attacked by soldiers. His US$12,000 compensation reflects the gravity of his condition and the physical pain he continues to experience.

These cases represent the struggle for justice in Zimbabwe, where many are often left without recourse. The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, representing the victims, played a pivotal role in securing this victory. Their advocacy ensures that voices silenced by fear and oppression are heard.

In Zimbabwe, human rights violations by security forces are often swept under the rug, with little to no accountability. This judgment stands as a rare instance of the military being held responsible for its actions. The decision might serve as a warning that impunity has its limits, and those in power can be held accountable.

Gwetsayi’s judgment is a clear denunciation of the army’s conduct. She ruled that the soldiers’ actions violated the victims’ constitutional rights, subjecting them to inhumane treatment. This is a strong statement, reinforcing the importance of upholding human rights even under extraordinary circumstances like a pandemic.

Despite the court’s ruling, questions remain. Will this judgment set a precedent for similar cases of abuse? And will the government accept responsibility, or will the judgment be appealed?

Both Muchinguri Kashiri and Sanyatwe have yet to respond. Their silence raises concerns about the state’s willingness to comply with judicial rulings, especially when military accountability is at stake.

This ruling also raises broader questions about the role of the military in civilian life. During the COVID-19 pandemic, security forces across the globe were tasked with enforcing lockdowns. However, in Zimbabwe, this enforcement often crossed into dangerous territory, with soldiers exercising excessive force under the banner of national security.

For Zimbabweans, this case isn’t just about four citizens receiving compensation; it’s about challenging the unchecked power of the military. It’s a call for reforms in how security forces interact with civilians, particularly during crises.

This decision, while a victory, also shines a light on the need for systemic change. Zimbabwe cannot afford to let its military operate without transparency or accountability. Human rights must be central to any enforcement actions, even during emergencies.

For those following this case, this judgment is both a victory and a symbol of what Zimbabwean citizens deserve: justice, respect, and protection from their own security forces. It’s a reminder that no one, not even powerful state institutions, is above the law.

As Zimbabwe looks to the future, this ruling should serve as a catalyst for reform. The country’s citizens deserve a military that protects, not harms, and a government that upholds the rule of law.

The Zim Bulletin