Zimbabwean pro-democracy campaigner Cynthia Manjoro has accused authorities of trying to delay her compensation payout, which was ordered by the high court after she sued the government for torturing her.
Manjoro was tortured during interrogations and detained under inhumane conditions after she was arrested by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers in May 2011 together with some MDC-T party supporters. All were charged with the murder of police officer Petros Mutedza.
Manjoro was later acquitted. She sued for unlawful arrest, malicious prosecution, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of income.
In March, the high court ordered the police and other government agencies to pay $18,075 to Manjoro.
Manjoro this week expressed concern over the delays in the payout.
"They are trying to frustrate me because it shouldn't have taken this long. I have waited for several years for justice to be done and now I have to wait again for them to comply with an order of the court. It has been a long and uphill struggle for me."
It is believed that the government has started taking steps to comply with the court order and has sought authority from the ministry of home affairs to compensate her.
The ZRP blamed the delay in compensating Manjoro on administrative bottlenecks.
"There are certain administrative processes that must be followed before payment is effected," police said in a statement.
Manjoro is the latest victim of state violence to pursue damages. The government recently agreed to compensate prominent human rights campaigner Jestina Mukoko, human rights lawyer Mordecai Mahlangu and 63-year-old Lillian Chinyerere...