Seven MDC-T MPs are preparing to sue Brigadier-General Douglas Nyikayaramba for a whopping $14 million for allegedly causing their arrest over allegations of abusing agricultural inputs, distributed by government in 2009.
Party spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora confirmed the development yesterday saying in the MPs’ view, Nyikayaramba had a case to answer.
“We will be filing court papers any time this week, or Monday at the latest. The MPs are suing Nyikayaramba for wrongfully causing their arrest and malicious prosecution. They are demanding $2 million each,” said Mwonzora.
The legislators suing Nyikayaramba are: Edmore Marima (Bikita East), Heya Shoko (Bikita West), Maramwidze Hamandishe (Gutu North), Enerst Mudavanhu (Zaka North), Tachiona Mharadze Chiminya (Masvingo West), Varandeni Jani (Bikita South) and Evelyn Masaiti (Dzivaresekwa).
Nyikayaramba allegedly instigated the arrest of the MPs, accusing them of abusing agricultural inputs provided by government under the National Food Security Programme that aimed to help newly-resettled farmers. He was the chairperson of the logistics and distribution arm of the programme.
However, the MPs were eventually acquitted for lack of evidence.
Nyikayaramba allegedly claimed the MPs received a total of 20 tonnes of Compound D fertiliser, one tonne of seed maize and diesel, among other inputs.
The Brigadier-General is at the centre of a storm following his recent remarks that the army would not recognise a President without liberation war credentials, even if that person won an election.
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The remarks prompted both MDC parties to lodge a complaint with Sadc last week in protest. Zanu PF chief whip Joram Gumbo dismissed Nyikayaramba’s statements as personal and neither representative of the party nor of the army.
