Simon Rudland Demands Retraction From ZBC Over “Defamatory” Protest Claims

Simon Rudland

Lawyers for businessman Simon Rudland have demanded that the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) retract an article they say falsely accused him of financing violent protests aimed at toppling President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

The legal team has given the broadcaster two days to remove the article or face court action.

In a letter dated Tuesday, Rudland’s lawyer Norman Chimuka of Chimuka Mafunga Commercial Attorneys wrote to ZBC chief executive Sugar Chagonda demanding “a full, unconditional, and unreserved withdrawal” of the publication, along with an expression of regret.

The dispute centres on a ZBC article published on March 10 titled “Kasukuwere, Mambondiyani plot violent protest using Biti’s forum, ZINASU and bloggers as fronts.”

The report alleged that Rudland was “the major sponsor” behind plans to organise demonstrations and had “wired substantial amounts of money” to support the effort.

It also named former minister Saviour Kasukuwere and activist Danmore Mambondiyani, claiming they were working to orchestrate mass protests aimed at forcing political change.

According to the article, the alleged activities were linked to the Constitutional Defenders Forum, a group associated with former finance minister Tendai Biti, which opposes proposals to extend Mnangagwa’s presidential term.

Rudland’s legal team said the publication would lead any reasonable reader to conclude that he was involved in financing efforts to violently overthrow a constitutionally elected government. They argued that such claims effectively amount to accusations of treason, which they described as false and damaging.

“The article falsely imputes treasonous actions to our client while relying on and hiding behind unverified sources,” the lawyers said.

They also criticised ZBC for allegedly failing to seek comment from Rudland before publication, saying this fell short of accepted journalistic standards.

The lawyers warned that failure to comply with the demand would result in legal proceedings, including an application for an injunction and a claim for damages.

“They will pursue legal remedies without further notice,” the letter states.

The case adds to ongoing tensions between media organisations and public figures over reporting standards, verification processes, and the handling of politically sensitive allegations.

Simon Rudland ZBC