By 
Thom Shamakamba, the former Director-General of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), has filed a US$500 million libel lawsuit against Dr. O’Brien Kaaba and the Daily Revelation newspaper.
Shamakamba alleged that their recent publication had severely tarnished his reputation.
Describing himself as a lawyer with 27 years of unblemished service, Shamakamba claimed that the July 15-16, 2024, edition of Daily Revelation had irreparably damaged his standing.
The front-page headline read: “ACC DG MUCHENDE GETTING KICKBACKS – BOARD MEMBER,” with a subheading alleging that Shamakamba’s appointment was orchestrated by corrupt officials aware of his questionable character.
According to Shamakamba’s complaint filed in the Lusaka High Court, the publication, which boasts a circulation of over 29,520 and a significant social media following, falsely depicted him as a corrupt individual involved in illegal activities.
The article suggested that Shamakamba, as the former Director General, was part of a corrupt syndicate and incapable of effectively combating corruption.
Shamakamba claimed to have received numerous international calls from government officials in countries such as Namibia, Ireland, Burkina Faso, Malawi, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Ghana and the United Kingdom following the publication of the article.
These communications, he argued, demonstrated the global reach of the defamatory claims and the consequent damage to his professional and personal life.
He further contended that the article’s dissemination through social media platforms added to the harm, lowering his reputation among his peers, family and community.
Read More: Anti-Corruption Commission Director-General, Shamakamba, resigns amid public outcry
He also claimed that as a prominent member of the Law Association of Zambia Bar, a former Director-General of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Secretary of the Association of Anti-Corruption Agencies of Commonwealth in Africa and a respected Jehovah’s Witness, his standing had been grievously undermined.
Shamakamba is seeking $500 million in damages, citing severe embarrassment, mental anguish and professional damage.
He also demanded a retraction of the article, a public apology in a widely circulated newspaper and a prominent Facebook page and both exemplary and punitive damages.
In support of his claim, Shamakamba cited an interview with Dr. Kaaba, former ACC board member, published in the same edition of Daily Revelation, which accused him of colluding with Solicitor-General, Marshal Muchende, to cover up corruption.
This interview, Shamakamba argued, directly affirmed the defamatory nature of the article and further implicated him in wrongdoing.
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