A SOUTH African man allegedly abused by the police after showing President Jacob Zuma's motorcade the middle finger last year is claiming R1.45 million in damages.
Chumani Maxwele, 26, of Woodstock, Cape Town, wants R800,000 for damage to his reputation for statements made by police ministry spokesman Zweli Mnisi, R200,000 for defamation after police questioned the woman supervising his sociology research at the University of Cape Town, R200,000 for the "unlawful" search of his home, R200,000 for wrongful arrest and insult to his dignity, and R50,000 for assault after police bound his hands with cable-ties hands and put a bag over his head.
The civil claim was filed at the Western Cape High Court, the Sunday Independent reported. No date has been set for trial yet.
In February last year, Maxwele allegedly swore at and showed Zuma's bluelight convey the middle finger while he was jogging in Walmer Estate. He was bundled into a police car, detained at the Rondebosch and Mowbray police stations and then sent to the Wynberg Magistrate's Court. He was released without appearing before a magistrate.
In papers responding to Maxwele's claim, the police ministry admits a "rifle bag" was placed over his head in the car, to stop him seeing the route to the president's Genadendal residence, and that his hands were cable-tied.
The ministry also admits arresting and releasing Maxwele without charge, but, according to the court papers, claims the arrest was lawful.
Maxwele also argues a statement released by Mnisi on February 18 last year is defamatory. It mentions that Maxwele apologised for his actions and had two criminal records, one for common assault, the other for riotous behaviour, both committed between 2007 and 2009.