Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) journalists Chengeto Chidi and Blessed Mhlanga are suing the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe, and Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga for alleged unlawful arrest and detention.
Chidi and Mhlanga were arrested in May this year while covering a by-election in Chitungwiza.
Police officers accused the duo of using mobile phones and a canon camera to take photographs and record a video without permission from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
The incident occurred near the ward 7 polling station tent in Zengeza West, Chitungwiza.
Chidi and Mhlanga were charged with contravening section 25(a) of the Electoral Act which prohibits taking photographs at a polling station but were both found not guilty.
They have now filed a US$50 000 lawsuit against the State for unlawful arrest and detention.
Last week the two, through their lawyers submitted an intention to sue notice in terms of the State Liabilities Act as read with section 70 of the Police Act. Their lawyers wrote:
We write to give you notice of our client’s intention to sue you and various police officers employed by the State for damages arising from unlawful arrest, wrongful detention, malicious prosecution, loss of income, and self-development opportunities and expenses incurred arising out of the arrest and prosecution including but not limited to medical expenses, travelling expenses, and legal expenses.
In response, police legal services director Inspector T Gotora acknowledged receipt of their notice. Said Gotora:
Investigations into the allegations raised therein are being instituted. The Civil Division of the Attorney-General’s office will communicate our attitude towards your notice shortly.