NUPPEZ chief sued  for defamation

Tue, 20 Jun 2017 13:58:39 +0000

By CHINTU MALAMBO

 BASIC Educations Teachers Union of Zambia (BETUZ), president Cosmas Mukuka   has dragged National Union of Public and Private Educators of Zambia (NUPPEZ) chief, Stanley Mhango to the Lusaka High Court for defamation.

In a writ of summons, filed in the Lusaka High Court Mr Mukua, claims that on  February 17, he was defamed by Mr Mhango during a radio programme  “Let the People Talk” on Radio Phoenix.

Mr Mukuka charged that the words uttered against him were defamatory in nature and ordinary meaning and that the police had cleared him of such allegations.

“The said words by the defendant especially the stress of words “I Stood by what I believed should not happen”, meant and were understood to mean that the alleged sexual assault happened and that I actually sexually abused the said Ms Beatrice Yevuka , when the police had in fact cleared him of such allegations,” he said.

Mr Mukuka said that Mr Mhango’s statement meant that there was a dereliction of duty on the part of the police for letting the plaintiff who was guilty of sexual harassment to get away without any sanction.

He said that Mr Mhangio deliberately and maliciously avoided to inform the listeners that those allegations were never prosecuted and that he was not found guilty of the allegations.

Mr Mukuka said that the consequence of those words injured in his credit and reputation and his character has been brought into public scandal, odium and contempt.

He said it was only fair and just that he be compensated for the damages, loss and any other relief that the court may deem fit.