Media Institute of Southern Africa (Windhoek)
19 April 2005
press release
The weekly English newspaper, "The Mirror" appeared in court today, April 19, 2005, on charges of civil defamation. The case is before His Lordship Mr. Justice Winston Churchill Maqutu.
The plaintiff, Mr. Moeketsi Vincent Malebo, is a leader of the opposition Marematlou Freedom Party (MFP). Following adjournment in February 2005, the case began today with the plaintiff being cross-examined by the defense.
BACKGROUND
"The Mirror" was served with a summons to appear before the courts of law on Tuesday February 10, 2003. The newspaper is being sued for defamation by Mr. Moeketse Vincent Malebo. The newspaper's sub-editor, Handsome Tlali Caswel is the second defendant in the case and is the author of the article which Malebo is complaining about.
"The Mirror" was first informed of Malebo's intentions through documentation sent to the newspaper's offices, in July 2003, demanding Maloti 700 000 (approximately US$112 000) for the cost of the suit; as well as further or alternative relief to Mr. Moeketse Malebo.
"The Mirror" and Caswell (second defendant) are in this instance is being sued together with Mr. Lephoi Moseme (third defendant) and Mont'si Namane (fourth defendant). Lephoi and Namane were quoted as sources in the perceived defamatory article. Malebo claims that the contents of the article which appeared in "The Mirror" of May 23, 2003, under the headline: 'Is Malebo rightful owner or the people?', defamed him as it insinuated that he had unjustifiably retained property, in the form of two tractors, belonging to a community in northern Maseru at Thuathe, Roma Valley, and used them for his own personal gain.
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)-Lesotho continues to monitor the case which, by all indications, will be lengthy as there is an extensive list of witnesses still to be called to the stand.
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