A former army captain has appealed to Zimbabwe National Army Commander General Anselm Sanyatwe to intervene in his case as he seeks reinstatement following his wrongful arrest.
Former army chief Solomon Ndlovu’s contract expired while he was serving a prison sentence following his wrongful arrest and conviction.
Ndlovu was arrested in 2017 after businessman and Zanu Patriotic Front activist Osphael Mazibuko and his manager Dennis Ndlovu accused him of stealing their Toyota Hilux.
He was convicted by Beitbridge District Judge Mark Dzira in January 2018.
Dzira was sentenced to six years in prison, suspended for two months for five years on condition of good behaviour.
He appealed the sentence and conviction to the High Court, and was acquitted after spending one year and eight months in Khami maximum security prison in Bulawayo.
Ndlovu told Sunday Southern Eye that his efforts to persuade the army to reinstate him were in vain.
“When I was acquitted, I applied to the army to reinstate me,” he said.
“I was informed in 2021 via radio signal that I had been reinstated.
“I have been asked to work from home at the AGS pool.
But while I was home my salary stopped Without warning, I was not contacted, and since then I have not received any wages.”
Ndlovu said he was transferred from one office to another without being reinstated since then.
“When I asked what I was supposed to do, they advised me to go get checked and They said I must fill out the contract renewal papers.
“I filled out the papers. While the applications were being processed, a colonel who is now in Botswana said I was late and accused me.
“My money has been frozen and I still do not receive my salary.”
Ndlovu said he was not happy and accused the SNA authorities of making false promises to him.
He said: “At some point, they told me that the expiration date for renewing my contract had passed, and they said that I was late in renewing it.”
“I filled out the forms and left them to the Harare district commander, who said I had delayed submitting them and it would be difficult for him to explain it to the commander.
“He told me that I should instead fill out retirement papers, which I dispute because I haven’t reached retirement age yet.
“I asked why they couldn’t reinstate me and promote me according to procedures and from there I could retire.”
Ndlovu appealed to Sanyatwe to intervene to ensure his reinstatement.
“I know him as an outspoken leader, which is why I am asking him for help. I am ready to retire only if proper procedures are followed,” he said.
ZNA and Sanyatwe are yet to respond to his appeal.
Meanwhile, Ndlovu has sued Mazibuko for causing his arrest and imprisonment on false car theft charges.
He seeks $102,800 in damages and the loss of 78 head of cattle and tractors.
In his lawsuit, Ndlovu cited Mazibuko and his manager Dennis as defendants. standard
