Topstar battles image dent, denies ownership of prize house awarded in 2017 Christmas promotion

Topstar Communications Company Limited has denied owning a house awarded to a Lusaka woman in its 2017 “House, Money, Car” Christmas promotion, stating the property belonged to a third-party estate firm.

In its defence filed before the Lusaka High Court, Topstar argued that the certificate of title for House No. 1001 in North Gate Gardens was supposed to be issued by National Housing Authority-MKP, which had provided the prize.

The company said any issues surrounding ownership or transfer of the property were the responsibility of NHA-MKP.

Topstar further denied misrepresenting the promotion or misleading the plaintiff, Precious Lubinda, who was declared winner in March 2018.

The company stated that all aspects of the house—including sourcing, transfer, and documentation—were managed by the estate firm.

It also rejected claims of negligence, stating that professional agents had been engaged to handle the arrangements.

Topstar has asked the court to dismiss Lubinda’s claims of breach of contract and negligence.

Lubinda won the house after participating in Topstar’s promotion between November 15 and December 31, 2017.

As part of the competition, subscribers who signed up for at least three months stood a chance to win prizes including a two-bedroom house.

Following a public handover in March 2018, Lubinda moved into the house believing she was the rightful owner.

However, on July 11, 2022, she was evicted by court bailiffs after it emerged that First Capital Bank Zambia Limited was the legal owner, based on a 2018 court judgment.

Lubinda has accused Topstar of failing to verify the property’s legal status before awarding it as a prize.

She is seeking legal ownership or monetary compensation, along with damages, interest, and legal costs.

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