Muchinguri blames Treasury for US$25,000 compensation delay in August 1 shooting case

Muchinguri urges complainants to join Finance Minister in court

Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri has stated she is not in contempt of court for failing to honour a US$25,000 compensation order, arguing that payment is awaiting the green light from Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, who she says is the responsible authority. Muchinguri has 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.

Background of the case

The case stems from injuries suffered by Zakeyo Mutimutema, a former Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) employee, who sustained severe eye injuries from glass shards when soldiers opened fire at an office building during post-election protests on August 1, 2018. In July 2025, the High Court ordered Muchinguri to pay US$25,000 in damages following an agreement between the parties.

Muchinguri's response

In an opposing affidavit seen by NewZimbabwe.com, Muchinguri said she had not wilfully disobeyed the court order, arguing that she was awaiting the Finance Minister's approval for Treasury to make the payment. "There was no wilful disobedience nor neglect on the part of the Respondent as we have already instructed Treasury to make the payment to the Applicant. However, we are awaiting Treasury to concur in order to fulfil the settlements," she said.

The Defence Minister also argued that Ncube should have been joined to the proceedings because of his responsibility for the country's financial affairs. "There has been material non-joinder of the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion as our office has since written to the Finance Ministry requesting payment to be made," she said.

Potential consequences

The committal application seeks to have the six-month prison sentence suspended if Muchinguri pays the amount within seven days. The response comes as she faces a potential prison sentence for contempt of court if the court finds her in defiance.

The two news organisations covering the story, AllAfrica and newzimbabwe.com, both reported the claims in Muchinguri's affidavit and the potential legal consequence, with their headlines focusing on her blame of Treasury rather than the imprisonment possibility.