Zimbabwe - Nine Zimbabwean human rights activists and others tortured in custody are suing government officials for $500m (£314m), their lawyers have said.

Jestina Mukoko and eight others are suing the police commissioner, a cabinet minister and police officers.

The Supreme Court on Monday ordered that terrorism charges against her be dropped because she had been tortured.

Ms Mukoko's lawyers said she had been subjected to simulated drowning, locked in a freezer and beaten.

She was accused of taking part in a plot to topple President Robert Mugabe, which she strongly denied.

Critics say the charges were fabricated in an attempt to silence opponents of Mr Mugabe's Zanu-PF party.

Analysts say the dropping of the charges against Ms Mukoko and nine others could ease tensions in Zimbabwe's power-sharing government.

Police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena told the AP news agency that they could not be held responsible for what happened to her in custody.

Correspondents say it is more likely that members of the feared Central Intelligence Organisation were behind the torture.

Ms Mukoko's lawyer Harrison Nkomo said she was seeking half of the money, while the rest would be divided between the other detained activists.

The lawyer said those sued, including the intelligence minister, would be sued for abduction, wrongful arrest and torture.

At least three others are still facing trial on the same charges.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Lawyers For Human Rights director Irene Petras said Attorney-General Johannes Tomana should resign over his "unethical and partisan" conduct during the case.