Kabimba story was in public interest – Daily Nation editor
DAILY Nation Newspaper has maintained that the story in which it has been sued for defamation by the Sociality Party leader, Fred M’membe is a fair comment.
The newspaper executive editor, Mary Mbewe, in her testimony before judge Sharon Newa in the Lusaka High court yesterday said the story under the headline ‘ Kabimba spills beans” was authentic and of public interest.
This is in a matter in which Mr M’membe has sued Rainbow Party leader , Mr Wynter Kabimba, Daily Nation Newspaper and Millennium radio for defamation.
Ms Mbewe said she assigned a reporter to monitor the Millennium radio phone in interview where Mr Kabimba was being interviewed.
She described the interview as interesting as Mr Kabimba is a public figure and as a political leader with ambitions to seek top office (Presidency) in the land.
Ms Mbewe said the interview was of public interest and even the political party (Sociality Party) mentioned in the interview was also seeking to lead the country.
“As a media, it is our duty to inform the public of matters of public interest. It is a fair comment because the media is an avenue through which the public get to know views of public leaders. It was therefore, our duty to inform the nation of what was discussed,” she said.
In cross examination, Mr M’membe’s Lawyer Ms Lillian Mushota asked why the newspaper did not make an effort to balance the story by getting the views of the Sociality Party, the witness said the reporter tried on several occasions to get a phone-in interview, but the call was cut or unanswered.
Ms Mushota also queried as to why the reporter did not go to the party secretariat to ensure the story was balanced.
Ms Mbewe said that on a number of times that she has sent the reporters to party functions, they are chased.
Judge Newa reserved judgement to a date to be communicated to both parties.