Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Sonja Smith
Published on 2024-02-28 17:00:00
Dr. Bernard Haufiku, who previously served as the minister of health and social services, is currently embroiled in a defamation case with businessman Martin Shipanga. Haufiku is seeking N$500,000 in damages from Shipanga for allegedly tarnishing his reputation by accusing him of using his relatives to steal public funds.
The details of the case were revealed in documents filed in the Windhoek High Court, where Haufiku claims that Shipanga’s statements were wrongful and defamatory. The accusations made by Shipanga implied that Haufiku was involved in corrupt activities, portraying him as a thief who prioritizes his own interests over those of the Namibian people.
Haufiku vehemently denies these allegations, stating that he has never engaged in any form of corruption or used his relatives to embezzle government funds. He emphasizes that he has never been reported to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for any wrongdoing and no charges have ever been brought against him.
The contentious communication originated from a WhatsApp group called ‘Rundu Project’, of which both Haufiku and Shipanga are members. The defamatory messages were circulated on this platform on 23 June last year, causing significant harm to Haufiku’s reputation and dignity.
Under Namibia’s defamation laws, Haufiku must demonstrate that Shipanga’s statements were defamatory and published with the intention of causing harm. The accessibility of WhatsApp to the general public magnifies the impact of such defamatory statements, leading to psychological distress and emotional suffering for the victim.
Haufiku is demanding a public retraction and apology from Shipanga on the same WhatsApp group where the accusations were made. Shipanga, a former chief executive of Nedbank and owner of Shipi FM radio station, has not responded to inquiries made by The Namibian regarding the case.
Legal representation for both parties has been secured, with Francois Bangamwabo from FB Law Chambers representing Haufiku and Karin Klazen from Ellis Shilengudwa Incorporated representing Shipanga. Despite the ongoing litigation, Haufiku refrained from commenting on the case during the current week.
The court has scheduled a mediation session for 23 March, with lawyer Kaijata Kangueehi appointed as the mediator. This legal battle underscores the importance of upholding one’s reputation and dignity in the face of false accusations that can have lasting consequences on a person’s livelihood and well-being.
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Read the original article on The Namibian
