Chief Chireya Demands $3 Million From Subject For Defamation Of Character

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Chief Chireya from Gokwe has sued his subject, Andrew Teteni for over ZW$3 million over defamation of character after the latter implicated the traditional leader in the theft of his properties.

Last year, Pindula News reported that Teteni had dragged Chief Chireya to court accusing him of sending his messengers to take his properties comprising of 4 cattle, 1 scotch cart, 2 dogs, 2 tyres, 1 trek chain, 1 york and a 500g surf sachet.

He said this was done under the guise of taking fines for an offence of adultery his son had allegedly committed. He further argued that he was not the only victim but fellow subjects were afraid to speak up.

Chief Chireya who is denying the allegations told this reporter that he had decided to sue Teteni because the subject’s “ungrounded and malicious allegations had soiled his image.” He told Pindula News:

I sued Andrew Teteni for telling lies to the media and the story was read nationwide, yet, I had done nothing. I sued him for about ZW$3 million which is approximately US$15 000. What he did was very wrong.

The traditional leader added that Teteni had responded denying the allegation that he had defamed the Chief.

This reporter spoke to Teteni and confirmed that Chief Chireya, born name Henry Chidzivo, had sued him. He said:

I have since written a Notice of Appearance to Defence. We are now waiting for a court date.

Meanwhile, I have approached the police to investigate the case. After police refused to take action on criminals, I approached the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the matter was referred to the officer commanding providence. Investigations are now underway.

This reporter contacted Inspector Tusaumwe, Officer in Charge Operations and Second in Charge at Gokwe Nembudziya who confirmed that he was handling the case.

Inspector Tusaumwe, a former Support Unit officer, added that he made investigations and is in the process of compiling the findings which he will send together with his recommendations to “my Command in a week’s time.” —Pindula News