Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
FORMER Blacks Unlimited publicist, Blessing Vava, has taken legal action against legendary musician Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo and his band manager Cuthbert Chiromo for, among other things, claims that he is a WITCH.
He is seeking US$50,000 in damages.
According to court papers filed at the High Court, Vava is cited as the plaintiff, while Mapfumo and Chiromo are cited as the first and second defendants.
Vava’s claim stems from an interview Mapfumo granted to H-Metro and comments he allegedly made on Nehanda TV, which the former publicist claims were defamatory and damaged his reputation. In the summons, Vava is seeking US$50,000 in damages, arguing that the statements attributed to the defendants were false, inappropriate and damaging to his standing.
Vava is being represented by Tavenhave Machingauta, while Charles Warara is representing Mapfumo and Chiromo. According to the summons, on or about August 11, this year, Mapfumo allegedly caused or permitted statements concerning Vava to be published in H-Metro. “In the said publication, the first defendant identified the plaintiff as one of the persons allegedly influencing
“In their natural and ordinary meaning, alternatively by implication, the statements meant that the plaintiff was improperly interfering in the relationship between (Mapfumo and Makore),” reads part of the summons.
Vava’s legal team also referred to a second publication on Nehanda TV and YouTube.
“During the podcast, which was listened to by local and international audiences, the allegation that the plaintiff improperly influenced and/or manipulated Kurai Makore against the first defendant was repeated. “The second defendant further described and/or referred to the plaintiff as a ‘witch’ and further alleged that he once attended the funeral of the late Lancelot Mapfumo, where he purportedly presented himself as a representative of the first defendant without the first defendant’s knowledge, authority or consent, and as a person possessing and/or actuated by a ‘spirit of witchcraft’.”
Chiromo also allegedly claimed that Vava operated or controlled numerous social media accounts for purposes of turning Mapfumo against his fans and supporters. The summons state that the statements complained of were wrongful, false and defamatory of Vava. “In their natural and ordinary meaning, alternatively by implication, the statements were understood to mean that the plaintiff is dishonest and criminally inclined; is deceitful and untrustworthy; manipulates others for selfish purposes; maliciously interferes in the affairs of others; lacks integrity and moral standing; and is unworthy of personal and professional trust.
“The allegation that the plaintiff is a ‘thief’ directly imputes criminality and dishonesty.”
Vava’s lawyers argued that the allegations were false. “The plaintiff is not a thief, does not improperly manipulate Mr Makore or the first defendant, and does not operate covert social media accounts for the purposes alleged.”
The lawyers further argued that the publications were made to third parties through H-Metro, Nehanda TV and YouTube.
The claim was allegedly aggravated by Mapfumo and Chiromo’s failure to retract the statements by August 21, this year. In assessing the damages being sought, Vava’s legal team cited the seriousness of the allegations, particularly the alleged accusations of theft and dishonesty, and is demanding US$50,000 in damages. A notice of appearance to defend has since been filed at the High Court of Zimbabwe under case number HCH 4496/26.
The defendants will now have an opportunity to respond to the allegations in court. The claims contained in Vava’s summons remain allegations until determined by the High Court.
