William Banda sued
A TOP UPND official who took Police officers to harass a Lusaka business executive dealing in grain has been sued for defamation of character.
Mr William Banda, the UPND chairman for special duties in the company of police officers and journalists stormed Mr Raphael Lesa’s premises and accused him of illegally acquiring grain from the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) and distributing to unknown people.
Mr Lesa trading as Raphael Lesa General Dealers, a company engaged in grain business in countries such as Tanzania, Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo and Revel Executive Lodge jointly owned with Ms Evelyn Shumba accused Mr Banda of causing injury to their reputation leading to loss of business.
According to a statement of claim filed in the Lusaka High Court, Mr Lesa stated that Mr Banda, on September 3, 2021 in the company of journalists from different media houses and armed Police officers unlawfully entered their premises at Plot no.1121/1185, Salama Park. He said that upon unlawful entry, Mr Banda interrogated him and falsely and maliciously uttered defamatory words which injured their reputation and business.
Mr Lesa said the defamatory words were captured by the journalists and broadcast the footage to television channels and Facebook pages.
Mr Lesa said the false and malicious words of Mr Banda injured the reputation of their business and person.
The plaintiffs demand damages for mental torment, anguish, embarrassment and shock as a result of Mr Banda’s action plus interest.