Zimbabwean sues police boss and minister over assault

A 63-year-old Zimbabwean woman has sued the police boss and home affairs minister for alleged assault against her by officers who were enforcing lockdown rules.

Lydia Chapalapata who lives in Nkulumane in Bulawayo said police officers assaulted her with a truncheon as she was queuing to buy maize meal.

She is seeking $3m (£2m) in compensation for injuries she sustained and treatment she received after the incident.

Ms Chapalapata has listed police boss Godwin Matanga and Minister Kazembe Kazembe among the respondents.

She also singled out an officer who she said told her she had no rights during the incident.

None of the respondents have commented about the court case.

Zimbabwean police have in the past been accused of brutality against the public.