(MISA/IFEX) – Three journalists have been ordered to pay a fine of K450,000 (approx. US$5,000) to Stanbic Bank Malawi Managing Director Victor Mbewe, his wife and Stanbic Bank as compensation for a defamatory story the newspaper published in December 2002. The three journalists – Ken Ndanga, Chikumbutso Mtumodzi and Thom Chiumia – are owners of […]
(MISA/IFEX) – Three journalists have been ordered to pay a fine of K450,000 (approx. US$5,000) to Stanbic Bank Malawi Managing Director Victor Mbewe, his wife and Stanbic Bank as compensation for a defamatory story the newspaper published in December 2002.
The three journalists – Ken Ndanga, Chikumbutso Mtumodzi and Thom Chiumia – are owners of “The New Sun” newspaper. The journalists are well-known for their attacks on perceived enemies of President Muluzi and the ruling United Democratic Front political party. In an article published on 23 December 2002, “The New Sun” alleged that Mbewe was involved in a love affair with his bank’s public relations officer. The article further claimed that Mbewe’s wife disrupted business at the bank when she reportedly went there to discuss the issue with the public relations officer.
Mbewe argued that the article portrayed disorderly conduct and caused alarm to those whose wives work at the Bank.
High Court Assistant Registrar Michael Tembo said in his ruling that he was convinced that defamatory information had been published in “The New Sun” on 23 December 2002.
The court observed that Ndanga, Mtumodzi and Chiumia failed to show any remorse over the publication of the alleged defamatory article and did not attend the hearing for assessment of damages. Mbewe and his wife were awarded K200,000 (approx. US$2,200) each for aggravated damages. The journalists were also ordered to pay K50,000 (approx. US$556) to Stanbic Bank for defamation.
