A businesswoman of Lusaka’s Kamwala South has dragged another woman of Chingola to court for allegedly calling her a prostitute and other unprintables after she refused to give the defendant money in exchange for information on her husband’s infidelity.

Victoria Sichone, who has sued Astridah Mukutu, is seeking compensation for defamation of character, as well as, exemplary damages for emotional turmoil.

In a statement of claim filed in the Lusaka High Court, February 14, Victoria stated that sometime in 2017, Astridah called her with a view to extort money from her by making up a story that her (Victoria’s) husband was in Chingola with another woman.

Victoria stated that Astridah told her that if she wanted to hear more, she was to pay for the information.

She added that when she refused to pay, Astridah published an oral statement, charging that Victoria was a fool, prostitute among other unpalatable things.

“The said words were understood to mean that; the plaintiff has poor judgement or intelligence, she is fond of having sexual intercourse with other men in exchange for money and that she can’t be trusted,” read the statement of claim.

Victoria lamented that the said words had injured her character and had caused her to be ridiculed, scorned and had further diminished the esteem, respect and goodwill with some members of the family.

She stated that despite her insisting that Astridah issued an unreserved apology, the latter had blatantly refused to do so.

“By reason of the publication of the said words, Victoria has been injured in her professional standing character, reputation and has suffered distress, embarrassment and has been brought into public scandal, odium, ridicule and contempt,” read the statement of claim.

Victoria is now claiming compensation for defamation of character, aggravated and general damages for slander, exemplary damages for emotional turmoil suffered, interest, costs and any other relief the court may deem fit.