Welshman Ncube threatens Mphoko with defamation lawsuit

Opposition leader Welshman Ncube has issued a stern ultimatum to Siqokoqela Mphoko, demanding the withdrawal of what he describes as false and defamatory allegations or face a potentially costly defamation lawsuit.

Mphoko, son of the late former vice president Phelekezela Mphoko and a former director of the Choppies retail chain, has in recent months accused Ncube of misappropriating approximately US$1.3 million allegedly linked to a settlement paid into the trust account of Ncube's law firm.

Through posts on social media platforms, including Facebook and X, Mphoko allegedly described Ncube as a "fraudster," "thief," and a dishonest individual.

In a nine-page letter delivered to Mphoko's Hillside residence, Ncube's legal representative, Josphat Tshuma of Webb, Low and Barry, rejected the allegations and accused Mphoko of acting with "extreme malice."

The letter argues that Mphoko was fully aware that the accusations lacked factual basis and alleges that the statements were part of a deliberate effort to damage Ncube's professional and personal reputation.

At the centre of the dispute is the nature of the settlement funds in question. According to Ncube's legal team, the settlement was negotiated and paid in electronic RTGS dollars rather than physical United States dollars.

Tshuma contends that Mphoko, by virtue of his former role managing Choppies' bank accounts, would have known the distinction and therefore understood the circumstances surrounding the transaction.

The letter further alleges that while serving as a director at Choppies, Mphoko and his wife, Nomagugu, were implicated in a scheme involving the exchange of electronic RTGS funds for physical US dollars from supermarket tills, which reportedly formed the basis of earlier criminal complaints.

Ncube's lawyers also sought to clarify how the disputed funds were distributed, stating that Mphoko received US$44,000 and holds an acknowledgement of debt together with property security relating to the amount.

The legal team further pointed to previous court proceedings involving the matter. According to the letter, a High Court claim filed under Case No. HC 2906/19 was deemed abandoned and dismissed on April 2, 2025, after Mphoko allegedly sought several postponements and did not proceed with the case.

"If you genuinely believed that our client was a thief... you would not have abandoned your High Court claim," Tshuma wrote in the letter.

Ncube is now demanding a full retraction of the allegations and a public apology from Mphoko.

His lawyers warned that failure to comply will result in defamation proceedings seeking punitive and exemplary damages, arguing that the case would serve as a deterrent against what they describe as malicious attacks on reputable professionals.

The dispute adds another chapter to a long-running disagreement over the handling and distribution of funds, with the prospect of fresh litigation now looming should the parties fail to resolve the matter outside court.