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Chiredzi- In a development that has captured attention in the small sugarcane town of Chiredzi, a legal firm representing Chenjerai Zanamwe a Chiredzi rural district employee has issued a formal demand for damages following his acquittal in a the criminal case tried at the Chiredzi Magistrates Court.
In a letter to the local authority gleaned by Center News, said the court’s judgment clearly found Zanamwe not guilty of the charges, of stealing animal hides and it notes the case was brought to the fore by the Chiredzi Rural District Council as the complainant.
According to the letter from Dube-Banda Nzarayapenga & Partners, by there was contend that there has been no formal apology from the local authority for alleged defamation, inconvenience, financial loss, and the personal pain suffered due to what they describe as an unwarranted criminal trial.
The lawyer representing the council worker, Madock Chivasa from trial to the current stage on behalf of the law firm argued that the extensive media coverage surrounding the proceedings effectively stained Mr. Zanamwe’s public image, labeling him a criminal and dishonest in the eyes of many.
As a consequence, the law firm states it has been instructed to seek General and Special damages to compensate Zanamwe for defamation, inconvenience, financial loss, and suffering arising from the trial initiated “on the complainant’s instigation.”
The demand letter specifies a total claim of US$261,050, to be paid within seven days of receipt to cover associated costs.
Breakdown of the demand includes- General damages: Pain and Suffering US$50,000 and Emotional Distress US$50,000- Special damages: Defamation and Legal Costs- Collection Commission: 10%- Disbursements and VAT: Details provided, culminating in a total of US$261,050.
The letter cautions that failure by the local authority to remit the payment will prompt formal legal action, with the firm indicating it will seek interest and costs on a punitive scale.
Responses from the Chiredzi Rural District Council Chief Executive were fruitless as he did not pick up his phone or respond to texts.
Chiredzi RDC chairman, Suspect Mashingaidze however confirmed the incident saying the letter was delivered to council.
“It’s true I received a report of that letter of demand but so far I have not read it. Usually such issues involving finances are handled by the CEO but I am sure council is seeking legal advice from their lawyers on how the matter will be handled,” said Mashingaidze.
The demands comes after Magistrate Tendai Mutamba acquitted Chenjerai Zanamwe (47) of stealing animal hides after concluding that State witnesses gave conflicting and inconsistent evidence.
Zanamwe, is a Chiredzi Rural District Council (RDC) employee.
He was charged with stealing 30 panels of elephant skins, 6 buffalo hides and two hippopotamus hides. The heft criminal case was tried at the Chiredzi Magistrates Court and how found not guilty.
In a letter by the worker’ lawyers to the local authority gleaned by Center News, said the court’s judgment clearly found Zanamwe not guilty of the charges, of stealing animal hides and it notes the case was brought to the fore by the Chiredzi Rural District Council as the complainant.
According to the letter from Dube-Banda Nzarayapenga & Partners, Zanamwe’s lawyer confirmed that there has been no formal apology from the local authority for alleged defamation, inconvenience, financial loss, and the personal pain suffered due to what they describe as an unwarranted criminal trial.
The lawyers argued that the extensive media coverage surrounding the proceedings effectively stained Mr. Zanamwe’s public image, labeling him a criminal and dishonest in the eyes of many.
As a consequence, the law firm states that it has been instructed to seek General and Special damages to compensate Zanamwe for defamation, inconvenience, financial loss, and suffering arising from the trial initiated “on the complainant’s instigation.”
The demand letter specifies a total claim of US$261,050, to be paid within seven days of receipt to cover associated costs.
Breakdown of the demand includes- General damages: Pain and Suffering US$50,000 and Emotional Distress US$50,000-other Special damages including, Defamation, Legal Costs, and Collection Commission: 10%- Disbursements and VAT: culminating in a total of US$261,050.
The letter cautions that failure by the local authority to remit the payment will prompt formal legal action, with the firm indicating it will seek interest and costs on a punitive scale.
Efforts to get a comment from Chiredzi RDC, Chief Executive officer (CEO), Ailes Baloyi were futile as he did not pick up his mobile phone and respond to text message questions sent.
The demands comes after Magistrate Tendai Mutamba acquitted Chenjerai Zanamwe (47) of stealing animal hides after concluding that State witnesses gave conflicting and inconsistent evidence.
Zanamwe, is a Chiredzi Rural District Council (RDC) employee.
He was charged with stealing 30 panels of elephant skins, 6 buffalo hides and two hippopotamus hides.
