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Mobitel Limited, trading as Diamond Television, has taken legal action against media personality, Mutale Mwanza, accusing her of making defamatory statements that allegedly portrayed the broadcasting station as dishonest and corrupt.
The lawsuit, filed in the Lusaka High Court, stems from a Facebook post published on Mwanza’s page, “Mutale Mwanza,” on November 9, 2024.
In the post, Mwanza reportedly described the Personality of the Year Awards (POTYAs) as fraudulent, referred to the event as a scam, and used derogatory language to characterize its hosts.
According to court documents, Mobitel asserts that Mwanza’s statements have damaged its reputation in Zambia and across the southern African region.
The company claims her allegations have subjected it to public contempt, ridicule, and scandal, leading to financial losses and missed business opportunities.
Mobitel stated that the remarks were false, baseless, and malicious, intended to tarnish its corporate image and erode public confidence in its operations.
In its lawsuit, the broadcasting company is seeking damages for libel, emotional distress, and inconvenience caused to its staff. Mobitel is also requesting compensation for financial losses attributed to Mwanza’s statements.
Additionally, the company is asking the court for a permanent injunction to prevent Mwanza from making further defamatory remarks and an order compelling her to publicly retract her statements.
Mobitel maintains that the allegations were made without evidence and were designed to harm its reputation as a credible broadcaster.
The company insisted that its operations, including the Personality of the Year Awards, were conducted transparently and with integrity.
The case highlights the growing tensions between media organizations and public figures in the digital age, where social media platforms are increasingly being used to air grievances, sometimes leading to legal battles.
The Lusaka High Court is expected to set a date for the hearing.
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