COURT battle lines have been drawn pitting local government minister Garry Nkombo and opposition Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) president Sean Tembo.
The minister is seeking a staggering K40 million in damages for alleged defamation through the Lusaka High Court, denying any involvement in the incident at Jean Chisenga’s house.
He is demanding compensation for the alleged slander.
Nkombo claims Tembo falsely accused him of orchestrating the arson attack on Jean Chisenga’s residence in Lilayi, which was broadcast on Diamond TV and Tembo’s Facebook page.
Tembo was quoted saying; “Gary Nkombo made a very specific threat well quoted in the media where he said hon Jean Chisenga will not go unpunished and now, we have seen seen that jean Chisenga the honourabke member has been punished”
Nkombo stated that the words in the natural and ordinary meaning imply that he is guilty of the offense of arson.
The Mazabuka central member of parliament said he wrote letters of demand to Tembo and Diamond TV requesting that the defamatory words be retracted.
He said Diamond TV ate a humble pie and apologized for the slanderous statements published while Tembo has remained arrogant.
“The defendant has to date refused or failed or neglected to accede to the plaintiff’s demands for a retraction, apology and damages caused,”he said.
Nkombo stated that the publication was malicioaus as Tembo knew or ought to have known the real casue of the fire at the property reffered to.
He said the words were calculated at disparaging him as a politician and in his office as MP and minister of local government
“As a consequence thereof the plaintiff’s reputation has been seriously injured, and he has suffered considerable distress, anxiety , embarrassment and loss,” said Nkombo.
Nkombo popularly known as ‘Mazembe’ wants to dig and excavate K40 million from Tembo’s ‘zero’ pockets as special damages for defamation.
The minister wants general damages, aggravated damages and interest.
By Mwaka Ndawa
Kalemba June 12, 2024.
 president Sean Tembo.){kind=link}