Chicco sues Kapoti over ‘false, dehumanising’ claims

Businessman Erastus ‘Chicco’ Shapumba and his Chicco Group of Companies are suing Simeon Nghinananye, known as Kapoti, for N$500 000 over claims they say falsely accused them of diamond theft, looting, bribery and corruption.The lawsuit, filed in the high court last month, seeks N$250 000 in damages for each plaintiff, as well as a court order compelling Nghinananye to retract and delete the disputed content, which was circulated on social media platforms including WhatsApp and TikTok.Shapumba says the publications damaged his personal reputation, while the company says they harmed its commercial standing.The lawsuit describes Nghinananye’s statements as “manifestly false, racially offensive and dehumanising” and says Nghinananye published damaging audio and video material through his online publication.Shapumba said his reputation and dignity were “gravely injured”, while the company allegedly suffered “severe commercial harm, loss of goodwill and reputational damage in the business community”.They allege that Nghinananye “had no factual basis for the statements and acted with actual malice or reckless disregard for the truth”.Sweeping allegationsThe lawsuit identifies 12 claims arising from statements allegedly made between June and August.The court papers describe Shapumba as a “renowned, wealthy, prominent and successful entrepreneur of considerable standing and repute”. They also state that the Chicco Group employs more than 3 000 Namibians and has been in business for more than 30 years.Court papers say Nghinananye allegedly wrote: “Ever since you ran away with his diamonds…” and “Oh God, Mr Chico Erastus Shapumba, somebody's diamonds, the country natural resources. All the tins of diamonds? Where did you take that diamond? (sic)”He is also quoted as saying: “Transporting stolen goods at night and selling stolen goods.”Shapumba and the Chicco Group deny the allegations, including claims that they “defrauded or looted the government” and entered into agreements to “loot the government”.The lawsuit also challenges accusations that Shapumba failed to pay other businessmen, including money allegedly owed for a lorry and a building.Nghinananye allegedly claimed: “The businessman Baraki for the building, ever since you started owing him the remaining money, you are just running away from him. (sic)”Other disputed statements concern alleged connections with Natis officials and government property leases.The court papers quote Nghinananye as saying: “That deal was engineered for Natis to go rent the Ngandjera man's building.”The lawsuit further challenges allegations that Shapumba violated Ongwediva Town Council planning regulations with assistance from former town planner Eliander Kapolo.Regarding government procurement, Nghinananye allegedly claimed that Shapumba “pays off the Ministry of Health procurement officials or the organisers of that accommodation”, adding: “The contract was stolen and flipped and administration staff members were moved to Chicco houses.”The claimants also allege that Nghinananye has “failed, refused, and/or neglected to apologise, retract his statements, or delete the content”.Going personalThe court papers also challenge claims that Shapumba interfered with criminal proceedings involving Nghinananye.According to the lawsuit, Nghinananye allegedly said: “Apparently he called Kadhila Amoomo about my case... He called so my bail is forfeited so I am jailed.”Other disputed statements concern alleged extramarital relationships, with Nghinananye quoted as asking: “Should I mention the name of a top-level businessman who you slept with his wife?”The lawsuit also disputes allegations about the acquisition of communal, church and public land, including property associated with Okahao church.According to the court papers, Nghinananye allegedly asked: “How did he acquire it? When that property was for Okahao church.”Further allegations concern the keeping of goats and sheep in an urban area, including questions about livestock identification and veterinary requirements.Shapumba seeks N$250 000 for damage to his dignity, reputation and emotional well-being, while the Chicco Group claims N$250 000 for commercial and reputational harm.Nghinananye has yet to file his response.In an undated video circulating on social media, Nghinananye is heard saying: “Chicco, let me beat you with these documents when I find you... I speak of justice and the injustice you are doing. The court to me means nothing. I welcome this document, my friend. I know how to read and write.”

Chicco sues Kapoti over ‘false, dehumanising’ claims

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Namibian Sun 2026-11-02

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Chicco sues Kapoti over ‘false, dehumanising’ claims

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Namibian Sun 2026-11-02

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