Chaponda sues Times Group for defamation over maize-gate stories

Minister of Agriculture George Chaponda has sued Blantyre Newspapers Limited and some of its staff in connection to stories and comments on the suspicious maize deal between Malawi and Zambia.

The development comes barely days after President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s Commission of inquiry led by retired Chief Justice Anastazia Msosa released its finding on the maize-gate scandal.

According to a court file seen by FaceofMalawi reporter, Chaponda is claiming damages from Times Group Editor In-Chief George Kasakula, The Daily Times Editor Innocent Chitosi, and The Sunday Times Editor Chachacha Munthali.

Chaponda is also claiming damages from Times reporter Alick Ponje and Daily Times assistant editor Madalitso Mussa.

“On the 28th day of January 2017, the 1st, 2nd 3rd and 6th defendants falsely and maliciously wrote and printed and published or caused to be written, printed and published on pages 1 and 2 of the 28th January to 3rd February 2017 issue of ‘Malawi News’ news paper defamatory words of and concerning the plaintiff,” reads in part the court summon.

Meanwhile Kasakula has hinted that he group stands by all its stories and that it will not stop exposing the rot in government’s dealings.