Acquitted Transporters Demand $100,000 from Feedmix for Malicious Prosecution

Harare, Zimbabwe – Two transporters, Bauti and Makaruse, have formally demanded US0,000 in compensation from Feedmix (Pvt) Ltd, alleging malicious prosecution after they were acquitted of fraud charges. The demand comes after the state’s case against them collapsed during trial, with their legal representative asserting that witnesses exposed the allegations as maliciously fabricated.

State’s Case Collapses, Acquittal Secured

The legal proceedings, under Case #HREP 2412/3/23, saw Bauti and Makaruse charged with four counts of fraud. However,on June 9,2025,they were finally acquitted. Their lawyer, Mr. Ngwerume, stated that the trial exposed the malicious intent behind the accusations, with witnesses in court corroborating their innocence.

Demand for Compensation and Allegations of Illegal Detention

In a letter addressed to feedmix, mr.Ngwerume articulated the demand for US$100,000, split equally at US$50,000 per client, as compensation for malicious prosecution. He emphasized that his clients were innocent transporters who were merely fulfilling contractual obligations by delivering goods. According to Ngwerume, Feedmix disregarded all evidence presented by the transporters.The letter further detailed the alleged illegal actions taken by Feedmix. It claims that the company arrested and detained Bauti and Makaruse on march 7, 2023, from 10 am to 4 pm, before any formal police involvement. This period of detention, the lawyer argued, constituted an illegal deprivation of their freedom.

Corporate Security Head Accused of Violating Rights

Following the initial detention, the transporters were handed over to the Harare Central Police Station, where they reportedly spent a night in “degrading conditions” before appearing in the Magistrates Court the following day. This process forced them to incur legal costs from the outset,including the expense of securing legal portrayal for bail.

A significant point of contention raised in the letter is the alleged involvement of Mr.Josphat Mutipforo, Feedmix’s Head of Corporate Security. Mr. Mutipforo is accused of detaining and interrogating the two men for seven hours, an action described as “taking the law into his own hands.” The letter asserts that Mr. Mutipforo acted outside legal procedures and violated the basic rights of Bauti and Makaruse.

Social and Economic Repercussions of False Charges

Beyond the legal battle, the transporters have highlighted the severe social and economic impact of the false charges. Mr. Ngwerume stated that his clients were publicly labelled as fraudsters, leading to significant damage to their personal reputations and business standing. Over the past two years, they have lost productive time and faced ridicule within their communities.

“All the fraud allegations brought before the court were clearly actuated by malice,” Ngwerume stated. “They did not have any documentary evidence to prove the fraudulent claims.” He reiterated that his clients suffered the indignity of a criminal trial, endured public ridicule, and bore the financial burden of legal expenses.

Ultimatum Issued and Potential Legal Action

Mr. Ngwerume issued a stern warning to Feedmix, setting a seven-day ultimatum for the company to meet the compensation demand. Failure to comply, he stated, would result in further legal action, with demands for costs at a higher scale.

As of the time of reporting, Feedmix (Pvt) Ltd had not issued an official response or public comment regarding the allegations and the compensation demand.

the case brings to the forefront growing concerns about malicious prosecution and the potential for companies to misuse security personnel,acting outside due process. It also raises critical questions about the influence of the private sector on criminal investigations and the imperative to safeguard the rights of individuals, notably small business operators and transport workers.