Zanu PF MP faces $35 000 lawsuit

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THE two accident victims who were left injured after Mangwe MP Obedingwa Mguni failed to control his car and rammed into their tractor along the Bulawayo-Plumtree Road in 2013 have taken the Zanu PF legislator to court demanding $35 000 compensation.
Obedingwa Mguni
Obedingwa Mguni

THE two accident victims who were left injured after Mangwe MP Obedingwa Mguni failed to control his car and rammed into their tractor along the Bulawayo-Plumtree Road in 2013 have taken the Zanu PF legislator to court demanding $35 000 compensation.

By Silas Nkala

The lawsuit came after Mguni was last year convicted by Bulawayo Magistrate Temba Chimiso and ordered to pay a $300 fine for negligent driving.

On Friday last week the victims, Zebediah and Nothando Ngwenya, filed summons at the Bulawayo High Court demanding $35 295,65 compensation for injuries they sustained , expenses and damages they incurred as a result of Mguni’s negligent driving.

The summons read: “First plaintiff (Zebediah) $29 606, 50 second plaintiff $2 571 damage to the tractor $31 176, 65.

“Interest at the prescribed rate of 5% per annum calculated from the date of summons to the date of full and final payment, cost of suit at an attorney-client scale. If you wish to oppose any of the plaintiff’s claims you must enter an appearance to defend by making and appropriate entry in the appearance book kept in the office of the Registrar of the High Court of Zimbabwe at Bulawayo within 10 days after service of this summons.”

The claims arise from an accident that occurred on November 9 2013 along Bulawayo-Plumtree Road when Mguni negligently rammed his Ford Ranger vehicle on the victims’ tractor.

As a result of the accident, the two claim that they spent $3 117,65 to repair their damaged tractor.

“As a result of the accident, plaintiffs suffered serious injuries which have not only caused them severe pain and suffering, but also induced them to incur medical bills, loss of earnings and loss of amenities,” reads the affidavit.

They, submitted that their claims were for special damages relating to the medical expenses which they incurred and other ancillary expenses together with loss of income they suffered as a result of incapacity caused by the accident.

“The first plaintiff (Zebediah) was admitted at the United Bulawayo Hospitals with a pelvic fracture as well as scapula fracture. A total amount of $1 106,50 has been incurred in medical expenses to date by the first plaintiff,” the summons read.

“The first plaintiff continues to suffer pain from the injuries which have not healed and it is expected that he may have to incur future medical expenses until a time when his injuries have healed perfectly. Resultantly, the first plaintiff claims a further $3 500 for anticipated future medical bills in respect of the injuries in question.”

Nothando’s claims are that she was admitted at the same hospital with a fracture on the right arm and some bruises. She had to spend eight weeks with a plaster and her medical costs were $71.

Nothando said she wanted an additional $2 571 for future medical expenses as she was still in pain.