Chronicle Editor
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
A FORMER senior lecturer at Lupane State University (LSU) has filed a US$100 000 defamation lawsuit against his former employer at the High Court in Bulawayo, arguing that the university published an advert that defamed him.
Dr Keith Phiri, through his lawyer Mlweli Ndlovu of Mlweli Ndlovu and Associates, initiated legal action claiming that LSU published a defamatory advertisement in this publication and its sister paper, the Sunday Mail, in August 2024.
Dr Phiri alleges the content of the advertisement suggests he poses a danger to society and is involved in illegal activities. He argues that the wording was understood by readers to tarnish his reputation.
In its defence, LSU, through lawyers Calderwood, Bryce Hendrie and Partners, admitted publishing the statement but maintained its accuracy, asserting it was in the public interest.
The statement indicated that Dr Phiri had left LSU to pursue other opportunities and advised that any interactions with him should be deemed personal, not university-related.
Court documents quote Dr Phiri as stating, “The words in the context of the article were wrongful and defamatory . . . and invited professional shunning.”
Following the publication, he reported receiving numerous enquiries, both locally and internationally, about alleged criminal behaviour.
He emphasised the wide reach of the advertisement, claiming its physical and online circulation exacerbated the damage to his reputation and career prospects.
Dr Phiri claims the defamatory article severely impacted his standing in academic and professional circles, resulting in a demand for US$100 000 in damages.
In response to the lawsuit, LSU reiterated that the publication was necessary to inform the public that Dr Phiri was no longer an employee or representative of the university. They also disputed the assertion that the statement implied he was a danger to society.
The university further argued that Dr Phiri’s claim for damages in United States dollars is invalid, as Zimbabwe’s legal tender is the local currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG).
The case is scheduled for a hearing at the High Court, where a judgment will be made following verbal submissions from both parties. — @nyeve14
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