Five cattle for tarnishing employee’s image

AChimanimani man who was falsely accused of stealing a solar panel from his employer is demanding five cattle as compensation for his tarnished image.

When Albert Mushonga appeared before Acting Chief Saurombe’s court recently, he argued that Phillip Rupiya’s compensation will help clear his name in the community.

Mushonga said he was humiliated and traumatised by the false accusation which damaged his dignity. Rupiya was in default.

Mushonga claimed that Rupiya accused him after consulting a local prophet.

“Rupiya fired me after losing his solar panel. He told everyone that I had stolen and sold the solar panel as I was the only one who knew where it was being kept.

“I tried to reason with him that I was a loyal employee after having looked after his cattle for years, but he would not listen. He treated me like a thief. He told everyone who dared to listen that I am a thief. Up to now, some people still believe that I am a thief, but the culprit was later nabbed. The stolen solar panel was recovered from that culprit,” he said.

“I did not steal the solar panel. I was a loyal employee for years, but he kicked me out like a rabid dog. Five cattle are not enough to cover my losses and pain.”

In delivering his ruling, Acting Chief Saurombe said Mushonga was being unreasonable by demanding five cattle as compensation. “Yes, you were wrongfully accused and shamed, but that does not mean you have to be greedy. You were accused of stealing a solar panel and we understand that, but you should also consider the impact of your claim on his livelihood.

“Rupiya has a family to feed and a farm to run. Demanding five cattle is just too much. You should be satisfied with one or two cattle as a gesture of goodwill and an apology.

“It is only right that he compensates you with two cattle only. The courts are here to teach, not punish people,” ruled Acting Chief Saurombe.