A high-profile defamation lawsuit has been filed against Moja Love presenter Nimrod Nkosi by International Pentecost Holiness Church (IPHC) leader, Michael Sandlana.
Sandlana, leader of the Jerusalem faction in North West, is seeking R2 million in damages, a public apology, and a retraction of allegations made against him during an episode of Nkosi’s show, Amabishop. The case highlights the complexities of media portrayals of religious figures and the potential legal ramifications of such portrayals.
The dispute stems from an episode of Amabishop where Nkosi interviewed Sandlana’s wife, Magalane. According to court documents, the interview delved into allegations of crime, abuse of women, and witchcraft within the context of their relationship. Nkosi’s line of questioning focused on several sensitive topics, including claims of Sandlana’s alleged use of witchcraft.
The court documents detail specific questions posed by Nkosi, including: “Let me come to you, ma’am [referring to Magalane]. How does witchcraft fit in, because there’s a satellite that you say he has? And he sees in darkness? Where does he get those powers?”
The interview also touched upon allegations of abuse, with Nkosi asking Magalane: “Some people would give in and want to take their lives [a proposition put to Magalane]. Did you come to a point where you contemplated suicide?”
This question directly links Sandlana’s alleged actions to the potential for suicidal ideation in his wife, raising serious implications. Further allegations explored during the interview included claims that Sandlana faked Magalane’s death to claim an insurance policy.
Nkosi’s questioning on this point is detailed in the court documents: “Now… coming to the point of him faking your death, this is amazing to me. Apparently, he did a Makavelian (sic) style to say you were dead, yet you were alive; it happened there?”
The interview also explored Sandlana’s past, with Nkosi directly asking Magalane: “Uhm, Lethabo (Magalane). This man was a criminal. Did you know that? But did you know that he was a jailbird? Did you know his history, his past?”
These questions directly accuse Sandlana of criminal activity and a past involving imprisonment. The cumulative effect of these questions, according to Sandlana’s legal team, paints a picture of a man lacking integrity, honesty, and respect for his wife.
Sandlana’s legal action argues that Nkosi’s questions and the overall tone of the interview were defamatory, portraying him as dishonest, manipulative, abusive, and involved in criminal activities, including witchcraft and identity fraud.
The court papers state: “The publication of the statements contained in episode three by the defendant on the channel and on the Showmax streaming service was wrongful, unwarranted, and defamatory of the plaintiff. As a result of the defamation, the plaintiff has been damaged in his reputation and dignity and has suffered damages as a result of the conduct of the defendant in the amount of R2,000,000.”
The lawsuit demands not only financial compensation but also a public retraction of the allegedly defamatory statements. Sandlana seeks a court order directing Nkosi to issue a full retraction, informing the producers of Amabishop of this retraction, and ensuring the retraction is communicated to viewers.
This demand underscores the seriousness with which Sandlana views the allegations and the impact he believes they have had on his reputation.
