National Sports

Mzuni student wants K10m compensation from Moyale

 

Mzuzu University (Mzuni) student Pemphero Kathewera is demanding K10 million compensation from three Moyale Barracks FC players who allegedly assaulted him after a game at Mzuzu Stadium.

Kathewera is alleging that Ntopijo Njewa, Gastin Simkonda and Boy Boy Chima assaulted him after a TNM Super League match between the Malawi Defence Force (MDF)-sponsored outfit and Mzuni FC on May 14, according to a claim by his lawyer Nicely Msowoya.

The trio has also been asked to pay K2 million as legal fees, documents show.

Kathewera was injured during the fracas

Kathewera alleges that the three were behind the assault that left him “heavily injured.

Dated May 17 2018, one of the letters addressed to Njewa reads: “It is our client’s story that on the 14th of May 2018, after your game against Mzuzu University at Mzuzu Stadium, you descended on him and without any lawful cause mercilessly and physically assaulted him.

“As a result of the assault, our client suffered heavy physical injury, including a fractured neck and a dislocated shoulder. Our client was admitted to Mzuzu Central Hospital from the 14th to the 16th May 2018, after which he was discharged, but continues to be treated as an outpatient.”

The letter, which The Nation has seen, asked the trio to pay compensation and legal fees before this Friday.

“We contend that your act was barbaric and without any justification. We further contend your act stands absolutely without any defence at law and your liability is unqualified. You are, therefore, tortuously chargeable to compensate our client for the pain, suffering, harm and injuries you inflicted on him.

“We, therefore, write to demand K10 million as compensatory damages. We further demand a sum of K2 million as our costs,” the letter further reads.

In an interview, lawyer Msowoya said they have also written Moyale Barracks FC on the issue.

“We have told the club that if it is willing, it can pay on behalf of the players. If not then the players must compensate our client on their own or we will take them to court,” he said.

Meanwhile, a Blantyre-based lawyer Chipiliro Mpinganjira has said it was legal for lawyers to ask for compensation before the matter is taken to court.

He said if the two sides fail to agree on the compensation then the matter can go to court.

“If the defendants plead not guilty or if they plead guilty but feel the compensation claim is exorbitant then the matter can be taken to court for prosecution and later compensation arrangements if the defendants are found guilty,” said Mpinganjira.

But Moyale Barracks general secretary Isaac Banda expressed ignorance on the compensation claim.

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