THE 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 UCT and R200,000 for the "unlawful" search of his home

He also wants R200,000 for wrongful arrest and insult to his dignity, and R50,000 for assault after police bound his hands with cable-ties and put a bag over his head.

The civil claim was filed at the Western Cape high court. No trial date has been set.

In February last year Maxwele allegedly swore at and showed Zuma's blue-light convoy the middle finger while he was jogging in Walmer Estate.

In court papers he claims 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 ministry admits arresting and releasing Maxwele without charge, but claims the arrest was lawful.