By Twink Jones Gadama

A high-stakes defamation row has erupted between Minister of Mining, Honourable Dr. Zikhale Ng’oma, and Member of Parliament, Honourable Sameer Suleman. In a strongly-worded letter, Dr. Ng’oma’s lawyers, Taulo & Associates Legal Practitioners, have demanded that MP Suleman cease and desist from making defamatory statements against the Minister.

According to the letter, dated January 17, 2025, MP Suleman allegedly made false claims on social media platforms between December 2024 and January 2025, stating that Dr. Ng’oma had hired thugs to kill. The Minister’s lawyers have described these claims as “false, destructive, and defamatory,” and have demanded a public apology within 24 hours.

The lawyers have also claimed that MP Suleman’s actions have negatively affected Dr. Ng’oma’s reputation, work, and business. They have demanded compensation of K1.5 billion for the serious damage occasioned by MP Suleman’s “reckless and misguided defamatory statements.”

Under Section 200 of the Penal Code, Cap 7:01 of the Laws of Malawi, it is unlawful to engage in defamation of another’s character and reputation. Dr. Ng’oma’s lawyers have argued that MP Suleman’s actions constitute defamation under common law, which requires a statement that tends to injure reputation, communication to another, and knowledge or reckless disregard of the statement’s falsity.

The defamation row has raised questions about the use of social media platforms by public figures and the need for accountability. Dr. Ng’oma’s lawyers have emphasized that the Minister respects the right to life of every citizen in Malawi, including MP Suleman, and has never hired anyone to attack him or anyone else.

As the 24-hour ultimatum expires, Malawians are waiting with bated breath to see how MP Suleman will respond to the demands. Will he apologize and pay the demanded compensation, or will the matter proceed to court? One thing is certain: the defamation row between Dr. Ng’oma and MP Suleman has brought the issue of social media responsibility to the forefront of public discourse.

In a related development, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has been urged to take action against public figures who use social media platforms to spread false and defamatory information. The authority has been criticized for its lack of action in regulating social media content, despite the growing concern about the spread of misinformation and defamation.

As the country waits for MP Suleman’s response, the defamation row has sparked a national conversation about the need for accountability and responsibility in the use of social media platforms. Will Dr. Ng’oma’s demands be met, or will the matter proceed to court?