MADHIMBA v ZIMBABWE NEWSPAPERS (1980) LTD 1995 (1) ZLR 391 (H)

Flynote

Delict — defamation — defamatory nature — letter from reader to news-paper criticising news bulletins on television and news readers — meaning to be given to words — meaning that would be understood by ordinary readers of newspaper in which words appeared — defamatory nature of words — test — right thinking members of society — when views of a section of society may be considered -

Delict — defamation — defences — fair comment — criticism in letter to E newspaper of television news reader's demeanour — plaintiff — public personality — should expect criticism — nature of criticism permissible

Delict — injuria — allegation that newspaper article constituted injuria — test to be applied — defences applicable to defamation also applicable