HARARE – Lotteries and Gaming Board CEO and secretary Heavens Gonga is being sued for Z$40 million in defamation damages after he allegedly accused the Mashonaland Turf Club (MTC) CEO of money laundering.

Clever Mushangwe says the allegations caused delays in the issuance of a licence he had applied for to provide race horsing betting services.

In a lawsuit filed at the Harare High Court, Mushangwe charges: “In or about November 12, 2020, the defendant submitted a report to the Lotteries and Gaming Board claiming that the plaintiff had been involved in a US$2.7 million money laundering deal with Supabets, Mr Regis Choto and Dr Shingirai Munyeza.

“He further claimed that plaintiff had been playing front for some white South African nationals. This report was false and malicious.”

Mushangwe is claiming a payment of Z$40 million in defamation damages as well as interest.

Broken down, he wants Z$25 million for deliberate offence caused, defamation of character, mental anguish and distress.

The other Z$15 million is for loss of income as his business could not operate due to delays in obtaining necessary clearances.

Mushangwe said in March 2019, he applied to the Lotteries and Gaming Board for a licence for betting service for horses.

In May 2019, the minister responsible granted an enabling certificate in which Mushangwe was to complete the required works within two years after which an operating licence would be granted.

“The statement was understood by the Lotteries and Gaming Board that the plaintiff is dishonest and a criminal and consequently the board did not issue the operating licence timeously,” Mushangwe says in his summons.

The matter is pending.