By 
Kankoyo Member of Parliament, Heartson Mabeta, has been ordered to issue a public apology to former Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) board chairperson, Musa Mwenye, after admitting to defaming him on social media.
The case stems from allegations Mabeta made on July 21, 2024, claiming that Mwenye attempted to intimidate High Court Judge, Charles Kafunda, into ruling in favor of a client, with the promise of a US$3 million commission from a US$33 million payment from Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) to Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC).
The claims, which circulated widely on social media, were later found to be false and defamatory.
In a consent judgment reached between both parties and their legal representatives, Mabeta acknowledged that his statements were “patently false” and defamatory.
As part of the settlement, he must publish a public apology within 48 hours of receiving the court-endorsed judgment.
The apology must be posted on the same Facebook page where the defamatory statement was originally made and remain accessible for at least three months.
The judgment specifies that the apology must follow a designated format, including a clear quotation of the defamatory statement followed by a retraction in a specific font size.
Failure to comply with the order would result in contempt proceedings against Mabeta, without further recourse to the court.
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