Steelmate Sues Online News Site for Defamation
The company alleges that the report was an attempt to extort money from Steelmate and Chisenye and that it damaged their corporate image.
Steelmate Sues Online News Site for Defamation
Harare, Zimbabwe – Steelmate Investments and its director, Clive Chisenye, have launched a $1 million lawsuit against the online news site Express Mail Zimbabwe and its journalists, alleging defamation over a report published on August 12.
The report, titled “Steelmate Director Chisenye Swims in Wetlands Storm,” was described by Steelmate's legal attorneys as “reckless and malicious.” The attorneys claim that the report was an attempt to extort money from Steelmate and Chisenye and that it damaged their corporate image.
The lawsuit demands $1 million in damages, a full retraction of the article, and an expression of regret within 12 hours of receiving the letter. The attorneys also warned that they will pursue criminal proceedings for cyberbullying and harassment if the demands are not met.
Steelmate's legal team argued that a simple fact-check would have revealed the truth and that the report was a failed extortion attempt. They urged journalists to practice responsible reporting and not harm innocent businesses through “lies and falsehoods.”
Steelmate and Chisenye alleged that the report was preceded by an extortion attempt by a journalist from Express Mail Zimbabwe.
Steelmate Sues Online News Site for Defamation
The journalist allegedly demanded payment in exchange for suppressing negative information about Steelmate and Chisenye, which was false.
The lawsuit claims that the report damaged Steelmate's corporate image by portraying them as “unethical” and “economic predators defrauding their clients.” The report also falsely portrayed Chisenye as a corrupt businessman who bribes government officials to facilitate illegal activities.
Steelmate's legal team argued that the report falsely accused Chisenye of illegally developing cluster houses on protected wetlands in Sentosa. They also denied that Steelmate Investments disregards environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns and Corporate Social Responsibility.
The lawsuit demands a full retraction of the article and an expression of regret within 12 hours of receiving the letter. It also demands $1 million in defamation damages.
Boreholes Drilled in Wetlands will be Removed
Steelmate's legal team urged journalists to practice responsible reporting and not harm innocent businesses through “lies and falsehoods.” They warned that journalists who engage in extortion and defamation will face legal consequences.
