News / National
Doctor and clinic face US$50 000 defamation lawsuit
8 hrs ago |
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A local medical practitioner and a private healthcare facility are facing a US$50 000 defamation claim after allegedly making damaging statements about a father involved in a child custody dispute.
Lawyers representing Batsirai Joel Matiza say the claims were made by Dr Muchineripi Kondo in a medical opinion submitted to court earlier this month, which they argue contained "false and malicious" allegations that harmed their client's reputation.
According to a demand letter from Nyawo Ruzive Attorneys dated 11 March 2026, the doctor's statements have now become part of the public court record and have caused reputational damage estimated at US$50 000.
The dispute arises from a custody matter involving a 14-month-old child. In his report dated 9 March, Dr Kondo allegedly raised concerns about Matiza's suitability as a caregiver, claiming a history of alcohol abuse and questioning his stability in providing a safe home environment. He also referenced the father's request for DNA testing, which he suggested reflected negatively on his commitment.
The doctor further recommended that the child remain primarily in the custody of the mother, citing the child's alleged ongoing breastfeeding and need for emotional stability. He proposed that the father be granted only supervised contact for a limited number of hours per week until the child reaches at least three years of age.
However, Matiza's legal team has strongly denied the allegations, arguing that Dr Kondo never examined or treated either the father or the child and therefore had no basis to make such assertions. They also dispute claims that the child is breastfeeding and reject any suggestion that Matiza is an alcoholic or unfit parent.
The claim also names Eastgate Medclinic and Dr HZ Kuzanga as co-defendants. The lawyers have given the respondents a short deadline to settle the matter or face court action.
The case comes amid broader concerns about the role of expert opinions in custody disputes and the legal risks linked to statements made in court-related reports.
Lawyers representing Batsirai Joel Matiza say the claims were made by Dr Muchineripi Kondo in a medical opinion submitted to court earlier this month, which they argue contained "false and malicious" allegations that harmed their client's reputation.
According to a demand letter from Nyawo Ruzive Attorneys dated 11 March 2026, the doctor's statements have now become part of the public court record and have caused reputational damage estimated at US$50 000.
The dispute arises from a custody matter involving a 14-month-old child. In his report dated 9 March, Dr Kondo allegedly raised concerns about Matiza's suitability as a caregiver, claiming a history of alcohol abuse and questioning his stability in providing a safe home environment. He also referenced the father's request for DNA testing, which he suggested reflected negatively on his commitment.
However, Matiza's legal team has strongly denied the allegations, arguing that Dr Kondo never examined or treated either the father or the child and therefore had no basis to make such assertions. They also dispute claims that the child is breastfeeding and reject any suggestion that Matiza is an alcoholic or unfit parent.
The claim also names Eastgate Medclinic and Dr HZ Kuzanga as co-defendants. The lawyers have given the respondents a short deadline to settle the matter or face court action.
The case comes amid broader concerns about the role of expert opinions in custody disputes and the legal risks linked to statements made in court-related reports.
Source - online
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