Zimind sues 36 employees for US$100,000 over alleged defamation

Harare - ZIMIND Publishers (Private) Limited has filed a US$100,000 defamation lawsuit against 36 employees, alleging that they made and circulated false statements that damaged the company's reputation and that of its board chairman.

The matter was lodged at the High Court in Harare on September 25, 2026.

According to court papers, the dispute stems from an all-staff meeting held on March 5, 2026, which was chaired by the company's board chairman.

ZIMIND alleges that employees were instructed not to use mobile phones during the meeting but later communicated statements concerning the company to journalists, media organisations and on social media platforms, including LinkedIn.

In its declaration, the company claims the employees portrayed ZIMIND as a cruel and insensitive employer and made allegations regarding the treatment of workers and the payment of salaries and other employment-related obligations.

The publisher further alleges that the statements suggested the company was deliberately withholding workers' salaries and benefits and that its leadership had acted negligently in managing the organisation.

"The statements were wrongful and defamatory per se in that they impute to Plaintiff and its leadership improper, cruel, negligent and unlawful conduct in managing its affairs and employees," the company states in its court papers.

ZIMIND argues that the alleged publications conveyed the impression that it was an exploitative employer that failed to meet its obligations to employees and that its chairman was incompetent and insensitive.

The company denies the allegations and maintains that it was not in salary arrears, had not withheld employee dues and had not engaged in any unlawful or negligent conduct.

According to the claim, the statements were allegedly communicated to journalists, members of the public, employees and their families, and were also circulated on public platforms.

ZIMIND contends that the alleged publications have harmed its commercial reputation, goodwill and public image.

The company is seeking US$100,000 in damages from the 36 employees, jointly and severally, meaning payment by one defendant could absolve the others.

In addition, it is seeking a court order compelling the defendants to publish an unconditional retraction and apology in the same media outlets and on LinkedIn where the alleged statements were published.

The proposed apology, according to the court papers, would have to be approved by the company and published within seven days of any court order granting such relief.

The publisher is also seeking an interdict barring the defendants from publishing or disseminating further statements it considers defamatory about the company and its chairman.

ZIMIND is further claiming legal costs on a legal practitioner and client scale, arguing that it was compelled to approach the courts to protect its reputation.

The defendants have been served with summons requiring them to enter an appearance to defend within 10 days if they intend to oppose the claim.

The case has not yet been determined by the High Court, and the allegations contained in the court papers remain claims before the court which have yet to be tested.