On 12 September 2006, the applicant obtained a court order compelling Africa International Removals to pay her $4,441,841.67 with interest, and to deliver a vehicle and mobile phone with line. A warrant of execution was issued and the defendant paid the monetary amount in full after vehicles were attached. The motor vehicle registration book was delivered to the applicant, who admitted she had always had possession of the vehicle during her employment. The respondent averred that the applicant had always had possession of both the vehicle and mobile phone handset and never returned them when she left employment. The applicant then sought to commit the respondent to prison for contempt for failing to deliver the mobile phone handset.
1. The application was dismissed. 2. The applicant was ordered to pay the costs of the application.
Before holding a person in contempt of court, the court must be satisfied of two essential elements: (1) that the court order was not complied with, and (2) that the non-compliance was wilful on the part of the defaulting party. Where there is a genuine dispute of fact as to whether compliance is possible or has occurred, contempt proceedings are not competent until it has been proven on a balance of probabilities that the respondent can comply with the court order and is wilfully deciding not to. The onus is on the applicant in contempt proceedings to prove both non-compliance and wilfulness. Contempt findings should only be made where the respondent's actions threaten the dignity and integrity of the court, not where the respondent acts under a genuine and reasonable belief that compliance has been achieved.
The court made observations on the proper drafting of answering affidavits, noting that their purpose is akin to a replication in an action. Answering affidavits must be drafted with precision and must meet the sting of the defence raised in the opposing affidavit. Like all pleadings, issues not specifically denied and traversed in an answering affidavit are to be taken as admitted. The court also observed that the primary purpose of contempt procedure is to compel compliance with court orders where such compliance cannot be obtained through other execution methods set out in the rules of court. The court noted that contempt proceedings relate not only to enforcing orders but also to the integrity of the court and its processes.
This case establishes important principles regarding contempt of court proceedings in Zimbabwean law, particularly the dual requirements that must be satisfied before a finding of contempt can be made. It reinforces that contempt proceedings are not merely automatic enforcement mechanisms but are concerned with protecting the integrity and dignity of the court. The judgment emphasizes the high standard of proof required in contempt proceedings and the importance of properly pleading and proving both non-compliance and wilful default.