Zimbabwe News Update
herald
6 min read
Mthokozisi NcubeAFTER nearly a decade of legal battles, three former police officers have finally won back their jobs.Kenneth Tsiwo, Trouble Chikwati and Last Mabvuregudo, who were dismissed in 2010 over alleged smuggling of goods, have been reinstated following a lengthy court fight that exposed serious flaws in police disciplinary procedures.The trio argued that they were unfairly convicted. They claimed they were not given the mandatory 72 hours to prepare for their hearing, denied legal representation, and rushed through a trial conducted the very night the alleged offences occurred. Mabvuregudo told B-Metro, “There were gross irregularities in how the trial officer handled this.
We were tried at night and told our appeal would be wasted because former Commissioner-General Augustin Chihuri would not tolerate anything but conviction.”Despite recommendations from a board of suitability that the officers retain their ranks, salaries, and seniority, former Police Commissioner-General Chihuri ignored the findings and discharged them. Their appeal to the Police Service Commission was dismissed, which they say only rubber-stamped Chihuri’s original decision. The process caused severe emotional stress, financial losses, family relocations, and disruptions in their children’s schooling.The legal saga went back and forth between the High Court and the Supreme Court.
At one point, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the police because the officers were allegedly denied an opportunity to produce certain documents.However, when the matter returned to the High Court, the Commissioner-General failed to provide the required records again.Finally, under Justice Nduna, the court ruled in the officers’ favour, reinstating them with all their rights intact. The officers were represented by Dereck Kossam of Liberty Mcijo and Associates, while Jukwa represented the Commissioner-General of Police.Mabvuregudo reflected on the long ordeal, saying, “We have won this case four times, and each time it was appealed.
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