Kuda Mahachi Suing Ezra Sibanda for Defamation
Sibanda wrote on his Facebook profile that Mahachi was unable to send medical assistance to his son in hospital since the son was subject to criminal case.
Kuda Mahachi is suing veteran journalist Ezra Tshisa Sibanda and he is demanding US$100,000 for defamation.
Mahachi says he wants compensation for damages to his fair name and reputation as an individual as well as in his career as a soccer player. The damages arising from defamatory material concerning him were written and broadcasted by Sibanda.
He alleges that, on 7 May 2022, defendant broadcasted for 33 minutes, a video on his Facebook profile wherein he stated that there was an allegation that the plaintiff’s 4-year-old son Diego, had been burnt by a plaintiff in South Africa. However, he proceeded to make statements of the fact that the plaintiff’s son was admitted to Mpilo Hospital in severe pain with the likelihood that part of his leg would be amputated.
In this context, defendant specifically referred to plaintiff by name at different intervals of the broadcast and made statements to the effect that plaintiff’s son was in hospital because plaintiff gotten angry, and taken a bucket of hot water, and poured it all over the son’s body.
Mahachi also says , on 17 May 2022, Sibanda wrote on his Facebook profile that Mahachi was unable to send medical assistance to his son in hospital since the son was subject to criminal case and no accused person could send people to help administer medication to the victim.
With this in light, Mahachi says Sibanda’s statements as complained were not made with Mahachi’s consent ,were not based on truth, were not fair comment, and were unjustified.
Consequently, Mahachi is entitled to damages as claimed, particularly if it is considered that at the time of issuing summons. He wants Sibanda to pay US$100,000 for damages payable at the prevailing interbank rate.
