04/09/2026
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Hot FM, Chavula sue Tukuta
By CHIKUMBI KATEBE
OSCAR Chavula and Hot FM Limited have sued photographer and social media personality Cornelius Mulenga Chellah Tukuta in the Lusaka High Court, seeking damages over allegations linking them to the promotion of terrorism.
According to a Statement of Claim filed in the High Court, the dispute arises from a Facebook post allegedly published by Mr Tukuta on August 28, 2026, through the public page “Chellah Tukuta Studios.”
The Plaintiffs say the publication, which carried a photograph of Mr Chavula, stated that radio stations in Rwanda promoted the genocide “just like Chavula promoted terrorists in Zambia.”
They argue that the statement was defamatory and falsely portrayed Mr Chavula as having promoted, supported, facilitated or encouraged terrorists or terrorism in Zambia.
The Plaintiffs further claim that, because of Mr Chavula’s public association with Hot FM, the publication was understood by some members of the audience as also accusing the radio station of providing a platform for terrorists or terrorist activities.
The Statement of Claim says the Facebook post attracted substantial public engagement, recording at least 465 reactions and four shares, in addition to comments and replies.
Mr Chavula and Hot FM maintain that the allegations were false and that Mr Tukuta had no lawful or factual basis for making them.
They contend that the publication damaged Mr Chavula’s personal and professional reputation, while Hot FM suffered injury to its reputation, goodwill and commercial standing.
The Plaintiffs say they demanded that Mr Tukuta remove the publication, issue a retraction and public apology, and undertake not to repeat the allegations.
According to the court document, the demand was served on Mr Tukuta through WhatsApp on August 31, 2026, but he allegedly failed or refused to provide the requested retraction or apology.
The Plaintiffs are seeking general damages, injunctions restraining further publication of similar allegations, removal of the offending post, interest and costs.
The aggregate monetary relief claimed shall not exceed K20 million, exclusive of interest and costs.