Patriotic Front Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri has dragged NDC leader Chishimba Kambwili to court, demanding K100 million as special damages for defamation of character.
Mumbi says Kambwili defamed her character by alleging that she’s corrupt and built her house using bribes from Chinese and Lebanese nationals that get contracts from government.
In a statement of claim filed in the Lusaka High Court, Friday, Mumbi stated that on October 17, this year, Kambwili defamed her by alleging among other things, that she was corrupt as she was getting money from some Chinese and Lebanese to build her house, which words brought her standing in her political and professional standing, in question.
Mumbi stated that Kambwili issued the words in a press statement which was published by the media.
She stated that the words complained of in their natural and ordinary meaning meant and were understood to mean that she was involved in bribery or corrupt practices.
Mumbi further stated that the words were further understood to mean that she did not meet the business and professional standards expected from a public figure or honorable MP such as her.
She stated that the words were also meant to mean that she corruptly awarded or influenced the award of several government tenders to the Chinese and Lebanese contractors or suppliers who had in turn built a house for her as gratification or the alleged corrupt activities.
“Further that she lacks integrity, is unethical as a leader and is naturally corrupt,” read the statement of claim.
Mumbi alleged that in doing so, Kambwili did not bother to find out the truth before issuing the alleged statements.
She is asking the Lusaka High Court to order Kambwili to offer her general and aggravated damages for defamation.
Mumbi further wants the court to grant her an injunction restraining Kambwili whether by himself, agents, servants or otherwise, whomsoever from further publishing and causing to be published, comments or press statements , or utterances bordering on malicious falsehood and damaging to her.