Muvi TV Limited v Katanga (Appeal 77 of 2018) [2019] ZMCA 9 (7 February 2019)

Muvi TV Limited v Katanga (Appeal 77 of 2018) [2019] ZMCA 9 (7 February 2019)

Libel is actionable per se and the respondent was not required to prove actual damage to reputation. The publication was defamatory, referred to the respondent, and was broadcast to the public. The award of K20,000.00 as damages was justified and not excessive given the respondent's professional status and the...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2019] ZMCA 9
Parties
Appellant: Muvi TV Limited; Respondent: Charity Katanga
Court
Court of Appeal of Zambia
Jurisdiction
Zambia
Case Number
Appeal 77 of 2018
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Judgment on Appeal
Outcome
appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Defamation, Libel, Damages, Burden of Proof
Source Language
en
Tort Law Media Law Defamation Libel Damages Burden of Proof

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Parties

Muvi TV Limited

Appellant

Charity Katanga

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Judgment on Appeal

  1. 1 Whether the publication by the appellant was defamatory of the respondent
  2. 2 Whether the respondent proved injury to reputation or suffered actual damage
  3. 3 Whether the award of K20,000.00 as damages was excessive or unsupported by evidence

Ratio Decidendi

Libel is actionable per se and the respondent was not required to prove actual damage to reputation. The publication was defamatory, referred to the respondent, and was broadcast to the public. The award of K20,000.00 as damages was justified and not excessive given the respondent's professional status and the absence of an apology from the appellant.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed

Orders

  • All grounds of appeal are dismissed.
  • Costs awarded to the respondent to be taxed in default of agreement.