A man who spent more than three years in jail unnecessarily is claiming damages of R34.6m from the state, according to Rapport. Malesela Frans Mosuwe from Polokwane was acquitted on charges of attempted robbery after he had spent 1 185 days behind bars and did community service as part of his parole conditions.

He was arrested in 2003 and sentenced to seven years imprisonment in 2004. He was released on parole in 2007, but his appeal – filed in 2004 – was only heard by the Gauteng High Court (Pretoria) in 2008.

He alleges that the police were negligent in arresting him in the first place as no identity parade was held and the matter wasn’t properly investigated. The Ministers of Police and Correctional Services are opposing the application.

Mosuwe has requested condonation for his failure to notify the state of his intention to sue within six months. Mosuwe says he wasn’t aware that it was an option until an attorney mentioned it to him.

Full report in Rapport (subscription needed)