Zifa boss threatens lawsuit against journalist

Published: 4 hours ago

Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president Nqobile Magwizi has filed a legal case against journalist Hope Chizuzu, accusing him of publishing a series of defamatory articles targeting the football administrator.

Magwizi, represented by Chimuka Mafunga Commercial Attorneys, is demanding that Chizuzu retract all the allegedly defamatory statements and issue an apology. Failure to comply, the lawyers warn, could result in a US$500,000 civil lawsuit, as well as criminal proceedings under the Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 11:22].

The case stems from a series of claims published by Chizuzu, in which Magwizi is accused of corruption, incompetence, and unlawful conduct in his role as ZIFA president. The lawyer's letter highlights allegations that Magwizi bribed his way into office, embezzled US$500,000, unlawfully extended the contract of ZIFA CEO Yvonne Manwa, and blocked other officials from receiving vehicles donated by benefactor Wicknell Chivhayo.

Magwizi's legal team described the publications as "slanderous, insulting and defamatory," stating that they were widely circulated on Facebook and various WhatsApp groups with national and international reach. According to the lawyers, the claims have damaged Magwizi's reputation both in football administration and in his business ventures, where he is recognized as an entrepreneur and philanthropist with a proven record in sectors including advertising, infrastructure, property development, commodities, finance, and broadcasting.

Chimuka Mafunga Commercial Attorneys have indicated plans to seek a cease-and-desist order to prevent further publication of malicious articles. They also view Chizuzu's conduct as constituting "cyber-bullying" under section 164B of the Data Protection Act.

The lawyers are demanding an "unconditional and unreserved withdrawal of the defamatory statements," accompanied by a public expression of regret to be published for five consecutive days. Failure to comply, they warn, could escalate the matter into civil and criminal litigation.
- The Herald

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