A northern-based nurse, who is being sued for defamation by businessman Shapwa Kanyama and his wife will be opposing the suit.

Mathilde Kadhikwa, who is being sued for N$400 000, has indicated to the court that she will be opposing and defending herself against the defamation claims made against her by Kanyama and his wife Beata Kanyama, popularly known as Betty Davids. 

The Kanyamas dragged Kadhikwa to court 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 on 27 May. 

The wedding, according to the couple cost N$10 million.

The couple claims the audio remarks made in Oshidonga, despite not mentioning any of their names, are defamatory.

According to them, 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 similarities 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 dishonest, a 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 got married to a dishonest and corrupt businessman. 

The couple wants the court to order payment of N$200 000 for each of them for the alleged defamation.

Judge Kobus Miller yesterday postponed the matter to 26 October for case management. 

The Kanyamas are represented by Sisa Namandje while Kadhikwa is representing herself.

In an unrelated matter, Kanyama made his first appearance in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court yesterday for a shooting that transpired over the weekend at a nightclub in the capital.

Kanyama appeared on three charges; discharging of a firearm in a public place, pointing of a firearm, and assault by threat.

During his court appearance, Kanyama, who appeared from police custody was granted bail in the amount of N$5 000 after prosecutor Rowan van Wyk said the State was not objecting to his release on bail pending the finalisation of his case. 

Magistrate Esme Molefe granted bail on the condition that Kanyama must hand over all of his firearms to the investigating officer by end of business yesterday.

The court postponed the matter to 11 November for further police investigations.

The charges Kanyama face emanate from a shooting that took place at Pharaoh’s Lounge in Klein Windhoek on 3 November. 

Police reports state that Kanyama was involved in a physical altercation with long-time friend Tatty Louis at the club when he pulled out his personal gun. During the altercation, shots were fired and a car guard was shot in the right leg.

On Monday, the police reported that the car guard and Kanyama have reconciled and opted not to pursue the charges relating to the shooting. 

Yesterday, the Namibian Sun reported that Louis has filed a N$1.5 million suit against Kanyama for the assault. Louis is allegedly claiming that as a result of the assault, he has lost his tooth and has suffered emotionally and mentally. 

He said Shapwa violated his dignity when he assaulted him and further instigated a group of people to further assault him. According to Louis, Shapwa fired five shots, which resulted in the car guard being struck in the leg.

- mamakali@nepc.com.na