By Rex Mphisa
A Beitbridge loose cannon will regret his behaviour after a whopping US$50,000 in damages has been claimed against him for defaming Ziyah Media director, Loadwell Ziyadumah.
Jeremiah Joe Magodho, popularly know in social circles as Godhas, attracted the lawsuit following his reckless statements published on a social Whatsapp group with more than 100 participants were Ziyadumah seeks a retraction, apology and monetary quantum for the loose talk.
In a letter of demand dated June 26, 2026 by his lawyers at Tererai Legal Practice in Beitbridge, demands says Magodho caused the derogatory statements were made on or about the 8th of June.
“We act for Loadwell Ziyadhumah(“our client”), who has instructed us to address you as follows,” wrote Tererai Legal Practice on a letter served and Magodho acknowledged receipt of.
The letter of demand goes on to table verbatim Magodho’s exact words this publication will reserve in the interests of not repeating the derogatory and vulgar statements that are now before the courts.
“On or about 8th Day of June 2026, you published and/or caused to be published false, malicious and defamatory statements concerning our client on a WhatsApp group called Chando, to the effect that:”, says the letter before quoting Magodho wording.
“These statements were published in a WhatsApp group of more than 100 participants. The statements complained of are false, unlawful, and highly defamatory of our client in that they were intended and understood to mean that our client is dishonest and immoral ” wrote Tererai Legal Practice adding the conduct constitutes defamation.
“Your conduct constitutes defamation under Zimbabwean common law as articulated in Masuku v Goko& Anor 2006 (2) ZLR 341 (H) and subsequent authorities. The publication has injured our client’s reputation, exposed him to hatred, contempt and ridicule, and caused serious harm to their personal and professional standing. Our client has suffered reputational damage and emotional distress,” wrote Tererai Legal Practice.
“In the circumstances, we are instructed to demand, as we hereby do, that you comply with the following within 48 hours of receipt of this letter: (a) A written, unconditional retraction of the defamatory statements, (b) A written, unconditional public apology, approved by our office prior to publication, (c) Immediate removal of all defamatory material from all platforms, including social media,WhatsApp groups, or any other medium where publication occurred and (d) Payment of damages in the sum of USD $ 50 000.00 for injury to reputation, dignity and standing.”
Tererai Legal Practice warned Magodho that failure, refusal or neglect to comply with the demand in the stipulated time, civil proceedings for defamation will be visited against Magodho without without further notice.
It is not clear if Magodho, who lives in the Kwalu area of Beitbridge, has since responded.
Magodho’s action stems from a common practice called “Kukacha” where defamatory statements are known to come from a group of certain individuals in his circle who drink alcohol at a filthy public place called Mukoto.
The place where they cook, eat and drink in public is frequented by some supporters of local teams known to masquerade as champions in supporting local football groups and has continued public indecency exposing children to public liquor consumption close to a police base.