By 
Former Minister Gaston Sichilima, a faction member of the New Hope Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), has filed a defamation lawsuit against MMD spokesperson, Brendal Philip, over allegations that he stole a motor vehicle.
According to a statement of claim filed in the Lusaka High Court, Sichilima insists that he is the rightful owner of a Toyota Hilux gifted to him by the late former President Rupiah Banda on July 19, 2021.
He maintains that the vehicle has never belonged to the MMD, Philip, or any other individual.
Sichilima alleges that in August 2025, Philip published a voice recording in a WhatsApp group called Africa Interactive Forum, which has more than 300 members, accusing him of unlawfully holding onto the vehicle and labelling him a thief.
He argues that the remarks were false, defamatory, and intended to damage his reputation.
“The plaintiff has suffered reputational damage, anxiety, distress and embarrassment as a result of the defendant’s actions,” the claim states.
Through his lawyers, Joseph Chirwa & Company, Sichilima is seeking an order compelling Philip to retract the statements and issue a public apology, damages for libel, and an injunction restraining him from making further defamatory remarks.
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