A NURSE based in northern Namibia, Mathilde Kadhikwa, has issued summons for minister of health Kalumbi Shangula and his executive director Ben Nangombe to testify in her defence in a lawsuit brought against her by businessman Shapwa Kanyama and his wife Beata.
Kanyama and his wife (popularly known as Betty Davids) are suing Kadhikwa for N$400 000 for defamation of character. Kadhikwa has indicated to the court that she will be opposing the defamation claims. She has instructed Henry Shimutwikeni to defend her.
The summons indicates that Shangula and Nangombe must bring along all documents pertaining to transactions Kanyama had with the ministry and give oral evidence on it.
The Kanyamas sued Kadhikwa after she failed to retract and apologise for the remarks she reportedly made on social media on 30 May.
The remarks were allegedly made days after the couple tied the knot in a lavish two-day ceremony at Oniipa, in the Oshikoto region, on 27 May 2022.
The wedding, according to the couple, cost N$10 million.
The couple claims audio remarks made in Oshidonga, despite not mentioning any of their names, are defamatory to them.
According to the applicants, the audio contains remarks that relate to them. These remarks are; the wedding cost N$10 million, the wedding had various luxury vehicles such as Mercedes Benz, Audi, and Range Rover on display and Kanyama is a son of a doctor.
Other insinuations are, Kanyama is involved in the procurement of pharmaceutical material and owns a house that has a cinema, wine cellar and gym.
The house trended on social media in April 2020.
The Kanyamas claim the audio was made with the intention to defame them and harm their good name, fame, and reputation.
According to them, the remarks are meant to be understood that Kanyama “is a dishonest, corrupt businessman and that he is committing criminal acts in addition to embezzling public funds for his own benefit”.
Beata, who also claims she was defamed, said the remarks insinuate that she married a dishonest and corrupt businessman.
The couple wants the court to order payment of N$200 000 to each of them for the alleged defamation.
The Kanyamas are represented by Sisa Namandje.
Windhoek High Court Judge Claudia Claasen postponed the matter to 16 July and ordered Shangula and Nangombe to attend the proceedings until excused.