Muchinguri blames Treasury for US$25,000 compensation delay in August 1 shooting case
Zimbabwean Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri is facing a potential prison sentence for contempt of court regarding an unpaid compensation order for a 2018 shooting victim. She claims the delay is due to the Finance Ministry's failure to approve the payment.
Why it matters
The case highlights issues of government accountability, judicial authority, and bureaucratic delays in Zimbabwe's legal system.
DEFENCE Minister Oppah Muchinguri says she is not in contempt of court for failing to honour a US$25,000 compensation order, arguing that payment is now awaiting the green light from Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, who she says is the responsible authority.
Muchinguri has also urged the complainants in the matter to join Ncube in the court proceedings so that an informed position can be provided on the outstanding payment.
The Defence Minister faces a potential six-month prison sentence for contempt of court after allegedly defying a High Court order to pay US$25,000 in compensation to Zakeyo Mutimutema, a victim injured during the August 1, 2018 army shootings.
The committal application seeks to have the sentence suspended if Muchinguri pays the amount within seven days.
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