A Blantyre motorist is demanding K297.8 million in compensation and a written apology from Blantyre City Mayor Isaac Jomo Osman for an alleged assault at a fuel station.
Lordmarlven Nechavava, through Ritz Attorneys-at-Law, is claiming K297 789 437.96 from Osman and Blantyre City Council following an incident at Mount Pleasant TotalEnergies Service Station on October 28.
Lordmarlven Nechavava, through Ritz Attorneys-at-Law, is claiming K297 789 437.96 from Osman and Blantyre City Council following an incident at Mount Pleasant TotalEnergies Service Station on October 28.
In a letter dated October 29, Nechavava’s lawyers are seeking K97.8 million in general damages and K200 million in aggravated or exemplary damages, excluding medical expenses.
The demand follows a complaint Nechavava lodged at Blantyre Police Station.
According to the lawyers’ letter, Nechavava was queuing for fuel when he challenged Osman’s decision to allow another motorist, who had reportedly spent three days at the station, to move ahead.
The letter alleges that Osman, who was carrying a stick, struck Nechavava, injuring his jaws and leaving him with difficulties when eating.
“Our client further demands of the mayor and the council a written apology for the regrettable, deplorable and despicable conduct. The payment and the written apology are required within seven days of the date of this letter,” reads the letter signed by Yankho Kawalewale.
The lawyers warned that failure to meet the demands within the stipulated period would prompt legal action against both the mayor and the council.
The incident has renewed scrutiny of Osman’s conduct while managing fuel queues, particularly after a video emerged showing him charging at Nechavava at the station.
It also follows a separate confrontation in May this year, when Osman was filmed slapping a woman in Limbe before apologising for his actions.
Nechavava declined to comment, saying: “I, unfortunately, don’t have a comment at this material time.”
However, Kawalewale confirmed receiving instructions to pursue compensation and an apology.
“We have given the mayor seven days, but he has not yet responded. Our client has no personal issues with the mayor; in fact, he respects the mayor. However, a grave injustice was occasioned that day. Our client simply demands that the injustice be rectified,” he said.
Osman was unavailable for comment.
He has previously defended his presence at fuel stations, arguing that it helps “weak and vulnerable” people, including women, access fuel by preventing queue-jumping and restoring order.
In a live Facebook broadcast on his page last Thursday, Osman denied beating Nechavava, although he acknowledged pushing him.
“I do not go to fuel service stations to beat up people. I go there to control queues and prevent chaos,” he said.
Speaking at a Malawi Local Government Association event in Blantyre last Thursday, Osman reiterated his determination to prevent queue-jumping, saying he would not allow people who had waited for fuel to be disadvantaged.
In a letter dated October 29, Nechavava’s lawyers are seeking K97.8 million in general damages and K200 million in aggravated or exemplary damages, excluding medical expenses.
The demand follows a complaint Nechavava lodged at Blantyre Police Station.
According to the lawyers’ letter, Nechavava was queuing for fuel when he challenged Osman’s decision to allow another motorist, who had reportedly spent three days at the station, to move ahead.
The letter alleges that Osman, who was carrying a stick, struck Nechavava, injuring his jaws and leaving him with difficulties when eating.
“Our client further demands of the mayor and the council a written apology for the regrettable, deplorable and despicable conduct. The payment and the written apology are required within seven days of the date of this letter,” reads the letter signed by Yankho Kawalewale.
The lawyers warned that failure to meet the demands within the stipulated period would prompt legal action against both the mayor and the council.
The incident has renewed scrutiny of Osman’s conduct while managing fuel queues, particularly after a video emerged showing him charging at Nechavava at the station.
It also follows a separate confrontation in May this year, when Osman was filmed slapping a woman in Limbe before apologising for his actions.
Nechavava declined to comment, saying: “I, unfortunately, don’t have a comment at this material time.”
However, Kawalewale confirmed receiving instructions to pursue compensation and an apology.
“We have given the mayor seven days, but he has not yet responded. Our client has no personal issues with the mayor; in fact, he respects the mayor. However, a grave injustice was occasioned that day. Our client simply demands that the injustice be rectified,” he said.
Osman was unavailable for comment.
He has previously defended his presence at fuel stations, arguing that it helps “weak and vulnerable” people, including women, access fuel by preventing queue-jumping and restoring order.
In a live Facebook broadcast on his page last Thursday, Osman denied beating Nechavava, although he acknowledged pushing him.
“I do not go to fuel service stations to beat up people. I go there to control queues and prevent chaos,” he said.
Speaking at a Malawi Local Government Association event in Blantyre last Thursday, Osman reiterated his determination to prevent queue-jumping, saying he would not allow people who had waited for fuel to be disadvantaged.
