Fantan & Levels Appeal Against Against 1 Year Prison Sentence

By Staff Reporter
|
51157
|
January 13, 2021

Incarcerated Zim dancehall producers DJ Fantan and Levels have approached the High Court seeking bail pending appeal against their conviction for allegedly violating Covid-19 regulations.

Fantan (Arnold Kamudyariwa) and Levels (Tafadzwa Kadzimwe) together with Boss Dammer (Simbarashe Chanachimwe) were arrested earlier this month after they hosted a New Year’s Eve gig in Mbare’s Matapi Flats.

The jamboree, which attracted hundreds of people, was described as a potential Covid-19 super-spreader, leading to the trio’s arrest and eventual conviction.

When they appeared in court on January 6, the trio pleaded guilty to the charges and were sentenced to six months in prison by Harare provincial magistrate Vongai Guuriro.

Fantan and Levels, who are being represented by lawyer Dumisani Mthombeni, are now appealing against the sentence and hope the High Court will free them on bail.

In their application, the duo said they will not abscond from justice as they handed themselves over to the police and have been cooperating with investigations.

“It is submitted, with due reverence, that both applicants harbour no intentions of absconding from justice.

“They have never to date demonstrated an ability or willingness to evade justice according to the facts and allegations of this case.

“During investigations and at court, first and second applicants were highly and exceptionally cooperative; as such an inference of them absconding if granted bail cannot be sustained in the circumstances.

“On the contrary both are extremely desirous to prosecute their appeals to finality,” Mthombeni said in the application.

The Chillspot Records frontmen are also claiming that if released on bail, they can help health authorities by using their influence in the young population by crafting positive messages in the fight against Covid-19.

“First and second applicants are desirous to engage the government of Zimbabwe through the relevant ministry of Health, to be advocacy ambassadors who support and complement government efforts in the fight against the pandemic.

Category:
Celebs
Celeb News

Info News

Personal Injury Settlement: How Claims Are Valued and Negotiated

rnrn

Personal Injury Settlement: How Claims Are Valued and Negotiated

rnrn

Most personal injury cases settle before trial. But settlement value is not random.

rnrn

Insurance companies look at evidence, liability, medical treatment, lost wages, policy limits, injury severity, and legal risk. Injured people should understand what goes into a settlement before accepting an offer.

rnrn

A quick settlement may feel helpful, but it may not cover future medical care or long-term losses.

rnrn

What Is a Personal Injury Settlement?

rnrn

A settlement is an agreement to resolve a legal claim. The injured person usually receives compensation, and in exchange, signs a release giving up the right to pursue additional claims from the same incident.

rnrn

That release is serious. Once signed, the case is usually over.

rnrn

What Affects Settlement Value?

rnrn

1. Liability

rnrn

The stronger the evidence that the other party was at fault, the stronger the claim may be.

rnrn

Liability evidence may include:

rnrn

Police reports
rnPhotos
rnVideos
rnWitness statements
rnExpert analysis
rnCompany records
rnSafety violations

rnrn

2. Injury Severity

rnrn

More serious injuries often lead to higher damages.

rnrn

Examples include:

rnrn

Broken bones
rnSurgery
rnPermanent impairment
rnTraumatic brain injury
rnSpinal injury
rnSevere burns
rnLong-term disability

rnrn

3. Medical Bills

rnrn

Medical expenses are a major part of many claims.

rnrn

These may include:

rnrn

Emergency care
rnHospital bills
rnSurgery
rnPhysical therapy
rnMedication
rnSpecialist visits
rnFuture treatment
rnMedical equipment

rnrn

4. Lost Income

rnrn

If you missed work, lost overtime, used vacation time, or cannot return to the same job, wage losses matter.

rnrn

5. Pain and Suffering

rnrn

Pain and suffering may include physical pain, emotional distress, reduced quality of life, and loss of enjoyment.

rnrn

6. Insurance Coverage

rnrn

Even strong claims can be affected by available insurance limits.

rnrn

Why Insurance Companies Make Low Offers

rnrn

Insurance companies may offer less because they dispute:

rnrn

Fault
rnInjury severity
rnMedical necessity
rnTreatment length
rnPre-existing conditions
rnLost wage proof
rnFuture care needs
rnPain and suffering

rnrn

They may also hope you accept before knowing the full extent of your injuries.

rnrn

Should You Accept the First Settlement Offer?

rnrn

Usually, you should be careful.

rnrn

Before accepting, ask:

rnrn

Have I finished medical treatment?
rnDo I know my future medical needs?
rnHave lost wages been calculated?
rnAre all bills included?
rnDoes the offer cover pain and suffering?
rnWhat rights am I giving up?
rnAre there liens or medical bills to repay?

rnrn

A settlement should be reviewed carefully before signing.

rnrn

What Is a Demand Letter?

rnrn

A demand letter is a formal letter sent to the insurance company requesting settlement.

rnrn

It may include:

rnrn

Facts of the accident
rnLiability argument
rnMedical summary
rnMedical bills
rnLost wage calculation
rnPain and suffering explanation
rnSupporting documents
rnSettlement demand

rnrn

A strong demand letter is organized, evidence-based, and clear.

rnrn

How Long Does Settlement Take?

rnrn

Settlement timing depends on:

rnrn

Medical treatment length
rnInsurance investigation
rnLiability disputes
rnCase complexity
rnPolicy limits
rnNegotiation speed
rnWhether a lawsuit is filed
rnCourt schedule

rnrn

Cases with serious injuries often take longer because future damages must be evaluated.

rnrn

Medical Liens and Settlement

rnrn

Some medical providers, insurers, or government programs may have repayment rights from a settlement.

rnrn

Before spending settlement money, understand:

rnrn

Medical bills
rnHealth insurance liens
rnMedicare or Medicaid liens
rnWorkers’ compensation liens
rnAttorney fees
rnCase costs

rnrn

Final Thoughts

rnrn

A personal injury settlement should reflect the full impact of the injury, not just immediate bills.

rnrn

Before accepting any offer, make sure you understand your medical condition, future needs, lost income, liens, and legal rights.

rnrn

A personal injury lawyer can help evaluate whether a settlement offer is fair based on the evidence.

Uncontested Divorce Lawyer: A Faster Way To End A Marriage

An uncontested divorce lawyer helps couples who agree on major issues end their marriage with less conflict and lower cost.

rnrn

An uncontested divorce may be possible when both spouses agree on property division, debt division, child custody, child support, and spousal support.

rnrn

This type of divorce is usually faster than a contested divorce because there are fewer disputes for the court to decide.

rnrn

A lawyer can prepare documents, make sure the agreement is complete, and help avoid mistakes that cause delays.

rnrn

Even when spouses agree, legal review is important. A poorly written agreement can create future problems.

rnrn

Uncontested divorce may not be right if there is domestic violence, hidden assets, major power imbalance, or serious custody conflict.

rnrn

For couples who can cooperate, an uncontested divorce may save time, money, and emotional stress.