ZRP Ordered To Compensate Man Bitten By Canine

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has been ordered to compensate $150 000 to a Rusape man who sustained injuries after being severely bitten by a police dog last year.

The Manica Post reportsl that on the day in question, Constable Zwelibanzi Masuko released the dog in Rusape’s central business district and it went on to bite Unity Saunyama’s leg as he was passing by.

Unity Saunyama’s initial request was for the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage to award him $248 755 as compensation for the costs he incurred and the pain he went through during and after the attack.

In her ruling, Rusape magistrate Rufaro Mangwiro said the respondents did not dispute that Saunyama faced harm, which entitled him to some compensation.However, the respondents were of the view that the $248 755 claim made by Sunyama was too high and they proposed compensation of $10 000.

Taking note of the evidence brought before the court, Magistrate Mangwiro said it was clear that various factors had to be taken into account for a proper assessment of damages to be made.

The magistrate also said the context of the injury suffered has not been clearly noted, however, what is noted is that undue harm was suffered by Saunyama as a result of the negligence.