By 
On November 4, 2024, Miles Sampa filed a K100 million libel lawsuit against social media blogger Chitambala Mwewa, accusing him of making defamatory claims that he sold a faction of the Patriotic Front (PF) party to former President Edgar Lungu.
In his statement filed with the Lusaka High Court, Sampa argued that Mwewa’s accusations were baseless and malicious, solely intended to damage his reputation.
According to court documents, on October 17, 2024, Mwewa allegedly posted a statement on his Facebook page, “Simon Mwewa Lane Television,” naming Sampa and accusing him of “selling a PF faction to ECL” and referring to him as “a crook” in his political dealings.
The post reportedly read: “Miles Sampa is planning to sell his PF faction to ECL and a down payment has already been made. Ala, these politicians are crooks” — SMLtv.
Sampa contended that this statement, by ordinary interpretation, suggested he was dishonest and corrupt.
He argued that the claims falsely imply he was involved in unethical political conduct by allegedly selling a PF faction to another politician for personal gain.
The mention of a “down payment,” he added, insinuated underhanded dealings, casting him as untrustworthy and morally compromised.
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By labeling him a “crook,” Sampa asserts that Mwewa’s post further implied criminal behavior or fraud, tarnishing his reputation as a law-abiding citizen and respected political leader.
As a long-standing public figure, Sampa claims his reputation, heavily reliant on public trust, had been severely damaged.
Despite Sampa’s demand for a retraction and public apology within 14 days, Mwewa only deleted the post without any explanation, an action Sampa said worsened the harm to his reputation.
Sampa is seeking K100 million in damages or as assessed, along with an injunction to prevent Mwewa from making further defamatory statements.
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