Former Council Official Seeks US$300k for Damages

Runodada Witness Zim Now reporter

A former Guruve Rural District Council official, Tinos Marisa, has initiated a legal demand for $300,000 in compensation, citing malicious prosecution by the local authority after his acquittal on all criminal charges brought against him.

According to a formal demand by Marisa’s legal representatives, Ngwerume Attorneys at Law, the claim stems from what is alleged to be a politically motivated and baseless legal action orchestrated by council leadership. The letter accuses the council of pursuing charges of criminal abuse of office and theft despite clear indications of Marisa’s innocence.

Marisa was acquitted on June 3, 2025, at Rotten Row Court after standing trial under case number ACC 182/24. The charges included two counts of criminal abuse of office related to borehole drilling and the hiring of legal counsel, and a third count concerning the alleged theft of 3,000 bricks.

The court reportedly found the evidence against Marisa to be weak and, in some instances, contradicted by council witnesses who turned hostile during cross-examination.

The defense noted that council documents and payment records validated Marisa’s actions, particularly in relation to borehole drilling which was done transparently and with the knowledge of the former council chair, Mr. Jeke.

Additionally, the letter claims that council lawyers had advised against pursuing the charges, warning that they were unsustainable. Nevertheless, council leadership is said to have pressed forward, allegedly to protect internal political interests, including the chairmanship.

On the second count, the letter highlights that even the current council chairperson had been arrested under similar accusations, yet the legal services in question were tied to official council matters rather than personal ones.

The most egregious claim, according to Marisa’s legal team, revolves around the theft of bricks. The council reportedly paid for 27,000 bricks but later accused Marisa of stealing 3,000 more than they had paid for — a discrepancy contradicted by receipts in council’s own possession.

The prolonged ordeal, Marisa argues, led to personal and professional harm, including legal expenses, reputational damage, and public humiliation. His attorneys included reference to a national media publication that covered his trial as evidence of the wider impact.

The letter gives the council seven days to meet the demand for compensation or face legal action, including potential claims for punitive costs.

Guruve Rural District Council has not yet issued a public response.