Media personality Mutale Mwanza, popularly known as “The M-Nation” on Facebook, finds herself at the center of yet another legal battle. This time, Diamond TV, trading as Mobitel Limited, has filed a defamation lawsuit against the former Tuvwange Lifestyle presenter.
The dispute arises from remarks Mutale allegedly made on her Facebook page, labeling the broadcaster’s annual Personality of the Year Awards (POTYAs) as “fraudulent” and hosted by individuals she reportedly referred to as “whores.”
Mobitel Limited, the organizers of the POTYAs, argue that Mutale’s statements are not only false but also malicious and damaging to the company’s reputation. The broadcaster claims her comments have subjected them to public ridicule and tarnished the integrity of their awards.
In their court filing, Mobitel Limited stated:
“The defendant’s false, baseless, and malicious allegations have the potency to bring the plaintiff into public odium, contempt, and scandal in the estimation of right-thinking members of society.”
The company seeks:
- A declaration that the statements are defamatory.
- Damages for libel and financial losses incurred as a result.
- Compensation for the ridicule, stress, and inconvenience caused to staff.
- An injunction restraining Ms. Mwanza from making further defamatory remarks.
- Exemplary and punitive damages, alongside the cost of the court proceedings.
Additionally, they demand a court order compelling Mutale Mwanza to retract her statements publicly. This lawsuit follows closely on the heels of another case involving Ms. Mwanza. Fellow socialite and POTYAs co-host Daisy Lufumpa, also known as Chichi Daisy, filed a criminal defamation complaint alleging that Mutale accused her of promiscuity in a Facebook post on November 8, 2024.
According to police, Mutale has been charged with Harassment Utilizing Means of Electronic Communication under Section 69 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act. She is currently out on police bond and is set to appear in court soon.
This incident adds to the growing debate around the misuse of social media platforms for defamatory purposes. The Zambian President and other stakeholders have recently voiced concerns over the rising abuse of digital platforms for spreading false and harmful narratives.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as Mutale Mwanza prepares to face her day in court.