PROMINENT businessman, Simon Rudland, is not planning to overthrow the government and is alarmed by such false allegations —which he deems are calculated to destroy his reputation as a responsible citizen.
His lawyers have affirmed, following recent reports by the State broadcaster — the ZBC and some online publications.
Rudland, through his lawyers — Chimuka Mafunga Commercial Attorneys — has dismissed the allegations as defamatory and malicious.
“We advise that the published statements are defamatory and are understood by a reasonable reader to mean that our client is financing plans to violently and unconstitutionally overthrow an elected government.
“The article falsely imputes treasonous actions to our client while relying on and hiding behind unverified sources.
“We advise that our client is a reputable businessman who runs enterprises spanning various sectors, including agriculture, construction, logistics, and mining,” Chimuka Mafunga Commercial Attorneys said.
“His businesses have made notable contributions to national development and significantly support government initiatives and programmes.
“The defamatory article was widely published on the ZBC’s website, which has a global reach. The article has been further circulated on various online platforms, reaching thousands of readers.
“The defamatory article has demeaned our client’s status and seriously damaged his major asset: his goodwill and brand.
“Our client’s reputation has been severely damaged. The publication of the article is malicious and injurious. It further falsely connects our client with persons and organisations with whom he has no association or relationship,” the lawyers argued further.
“As proof that ZBC clearly intended to injure our client’s reputation, it published the article without contacting him for verification as required by professional journalism,” they also contented.
The disputed ZBC story said in part: “Rudland is the major sponsor of these machinations. He has wired substantial amounts of money to bankroll the demonstrations with more expected from his foreign networks.”
Rudland is among notable business people contributing significantly to the economy. His sprawling business empire straddles mining, transport and agriculture, among other sectors.
Last year, Rudland’s company — Cut Rag Processors — broke new ground when it unveiled a US$120 million cigarette processing plant in the capital.
The plant was officially opened by President Emmerson Mnangagwa last November.
Rutendo Ngara
SENIOR STAFF WRITER