Nyatanga v Editor, The Herald & ANOR 2001 (1) ZLR 63 (H)

Mr LT Biti for the defendants — damages for defamation.

The plaintiff was Master of the High Court, he claimed damages from the defendants after an article was published which suggest that he had committed unlawful or criminal acts after initially opposing the claim, the defendants conceded that the article was defamatory the only issue was of quantum.

held that allegations which impugn the integrity of a person holding the post of Master of the High Court and Sheriff of the High Court are defamatory in the highest degree and call for punitive damages. They are more serious than allegations defaming a politician of a businessman. To attack, falsely, the honest and integrity of a person holding high office in the judicial system undermine the confidence that the public should have in the judicial system of the country.