Zimind Publishers (Private) Limited has filed a defamation lawsuit at the High Court in Harare against 36 of its employees, demanding US$100,000 in damages over statements the company alleges damaged its reputation.

According to court papers dated September 25, 2026, the dispute stems from an all-staff meeting held on March 5, where the company says employees allegedly used social media and communicated with journalists to circulate defamatory claims about the newspaper and its chairman.

The company alleges that the employees described Zimind as “cruel and insensitive” and accused it of withholding salaries and employee dues through alleged negligence, corruption and malice.

Zimind denies the allegations, insisting that it was not in salary arrears and had not withheld employees’ dues.

The lawsuit names 36 employees as defendants and claims that the alleged statements were circulated to journalists, members of the public and on platforms including LinkedIn, causing damage to the company’s commercial reputation and goodwill.Apart from the US$100,000 damages claim,

Zimind is seeking an order compelling the defendants to publish an unconditional retraction and apology, as well as an interdict preventing further publication or dissemination of what the company considers defamatory statements.

The publisher is also seeking legal costs on a higher scale.

The defendants were given 10 days after service of the summons to enter an appearance to defend if they wish to oppose the claim.