Musa Mwenye, the former chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Heartson Mabeta, UPND MP for Kankoyo, alleging that Mabeta falsely accused him of pressuring a judge to secure a US$33 million payment from Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) for legal services.
Mwenye’s lawsuit seeks damages for libel and an injunction to prevent further defamation by Mabeta or his associates. He claims that Mabeta’s statements have damaged his longstanding professional reputation, which includes significant roles in both local and international legal and public service institutions.
Mwenye’s law firm was engaged by Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) in April 2024 to represent its interests in KCM’s creditors’ scheme of arrangement. According to Mwenye, he appeared in court on June 19, 2024, solely to represent CEC, while Mabeta, who was present as a member of the public, had no involvement in the proceedings.
Following President Hakainde Hichilema’s dissolution of the Anti-Corruption Commission board on July 18, 2024, Mwenye published an article reflecting on his tenure. Mabeta’s subsequent Facebook post on July 21 accused Mwenye of unethical behavior and manipulation, linking a photograph of them together taken after the court hearing to these allegations.
Mwenye argues that Mabeta’s statements falsely imply he is corrupt and unethical, harming his reputation and integrity. He contends that Mabeta’s remarks were intended to discredit him and undermine his statements on corruption. Despite an attempt to resolve the matter privately, Mabeta’s failure to retract or apologize publicly led to further reputational damage.
Mwenye is seeking exemplary damages and compensation for the harm caused by what he claims are false and politically motivated accusations.
