Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHAT began as routine fan chatter in a WhatsApp group has quickly grown into a cautionary tale about the risks of sharing unverified information, after a suspected supporter was forced to issue a formal apology over claims described as defamatory against Bulawayo businessman and Highlanders Football Club member, Jabulani Nkomo.
At the centre of the controversy is a message that circulated on a football WhatsApp platform alleging that only a portion of a US$500 000 donation made by businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo had reached Highlanders.
The message further implied that some of the funds had been diverted under the supervision of the club’s curator, Nkomo, raising serious questions among supporters.
The message, which was forwarded by Dr FM Sibanda, claimed that out of the US$500 000, only US$268 000 had been received by the club, with additional amounts allegedly going to lawyers and accountants — assertions that immediately triggered a legal response.
“ . . . of $500 000 – ekhitshwe ngu Chivayo kufike only $268 000 ku Bosso from the curator with $46 000 iyekuma Lawyers lama Accountants,” read the post.
In response, Nkomo, who is overseeing the management of the funds donated by Chivayo, instructed his legal representatives, Cheda & Cheda Associates, to issue formal letters to individuals believed to have circulated the claims.
In correspondence seen by this publication, the lawyers described the allegations as false and defamatory, arguing that they created a misleading impression that Nkomo had misappropriated the funds.
“Our client reserves his legal right to sue you for defamation. Our instructions are that you withdraw that statement and apologise for this clearly defamatory statement. The retraction should be published in the same group you posted, should we not receive the said retraction and apology by 16:00 hours on the 5th of March, 2026 we are under strict instructions to take appropriate legal action against you which will include criminal charges,” wrote the lawyers to Dr Sibanda.
The legal team also extended its warning to another participant in the group, identified as Zemura, who appeared to support or validate the claims circulating at the time.
“We are instructed to advise you to withdraw your comments in the same group and any other platforms where you published these falsehoods.
“We urge you to make the clear withdrawals, forward to us a copy. Should we not hear from you by close of business on the 6th of March, 2026, we are under strict instructions to take appropriate legal action against you without further notice.
“Our client will also report you to the police. Stay guided accordingly,” read the letter to one Zemura (cell number provided).
Dr Sibanda, who is based outside the country, has since issued a full retraction and apology addressed to Nkomo’s legal team, acknowledging that he had shared the message without verifying its authenticity.
“I sincerely apologise for forwarding the WhatsApp message regarding Mr Jabulani Nkomo and Highlanders Football Club. The information was circulating on a WhatsApp group, and I forwarded it exactly as I received it without verifying its accuracy. I wish to clarify that I am based abroad and was unaware of the actual circumstances surrounding the matter. The post was not originated by me, and I had no intention to defame or misrepresent anyone. I am attaching a screenshot of the original WhatsApp chat to demonstrate that the message was shared prior to my forwarding it.
“I retract the false statement and apologise unreservedly for any inconvenience or harm caused by its dissemination. I understand this constitutes defamation and respect your client’s right to seek redress. I assure you that I will be more cautious in the future regarding unverified information and will refrain from sharing such messages without confirmation of their authenticity.”
Sources close to the matter indicated that a police criminal report has since been lodged against the two individuals allegedly responsible for defaming Nkomo on social media.
