Komboni radio in financial crisis as court freezes accounts, amid legal tussle between husband, wife over ownership rights

Komboni Investments Limited, the parent company of Komboni Radio, is struggling to meet its financial obligations, owing over K50,000 in statutory dues to the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) amid an ongoing legal dispute.

The company’s financial paralysis stems from a preservation order obtained by Muntu Party President Stephen Nyirenda on December 5, 2024, which has effectively frozen its operations, including its bank accounts.

Lute Kasoma, a 10 percent shareholder in Komboni Investments, has appealed to the Lusaka High Court to lift the preservation order, arguing that it is crippling the company’s ability to function.

“The company is unable to settle its statutory and contractual obligations due to the restrictions imposed by the court order,” Kasoma stated in an affidavit.

As of February 4, 2025, Komboni Investments owed K13,068.88 in unpaid NAPSA returns and K41,949.96 in penalties.

The company has also defaulted on tax payments to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and fallen behind on rent and other contractual commitments.

Nyirenda vs. Ex-Wife: Ownership Battle

The legal dispute involves Nyirenda, his ex-wife Lesa Kasoma, and Komboni Investments Limited.

According to court records, Nyirenda and Lesa entered a shareholding agreement on September 6, 2012, allocating Nyirenda 60 percent of shares, Kasoma 20 percent, and the remaining 20 percent held in trust.

Nyirenda claims to have invested significant funds into the company, including €79,560.50, $122,000, and K4,065,000, and accuses Lesa of financial misconduct.

He alleges that she forged his signature to change the company’s authorized bank signatories, made unauthorized withdrawals, and later moved company banking operations to Access Bank Ltd without his consent.

He has since lodged complaints with the Bank of Zambia and law enforcement against Cavmont Bank Zambia for alleged misconduct.

Lesa Dismisses Claims

In her March 31, 2025, defense filing, Lesa dismissed Nyirenda’s lawsuit as frivolous, arguing that his claims are statute-barred and lack legal merit.

“The cause of action is frivolous, vexatious, and an abuse of court process. The defendant prays that the matter be dismissed,” she stated.

She also disputed Nyirenda’s claim of 60% ownership, citing a Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) search, which now lists her as a 90 percent shareholder, with her sister Lute Kasoma holding the remaining 10 percent —a structure different from the original agreement.

Lesa argues that Nyirenda’s claim to 60 percent ownership is legally void due to the expiration of the statutory limitation period.

The case is ongoing.

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