Blog

SELF-PROCLAIMED FOREX trader Lukas Brownson is threatening to sue two people for posting comments about him on social media.

Brownson, via Sisa Namandje & Co, is threatening to file individual lawsuits against Julieta Amushelelo (for N$250 000) and Patrick ‘Chris Paul’ Haingura (for N$580 000), a former gossip writer.

Brownson was arrested last year for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, Josephine Amesho, and a police case was opened.

The trader, also known as ‘John Wick CEO’, was detained and later granted bail in the amount of N$50 000.

The Namibian reported in August last year that Brownson and Amesho were back together in a report titled ‘John Wick CEO’ and alleged abuse victim back in each other’s arms’.

Amushelelo at the time expressed her thoughts on the matter on Instagram.

“If The Namibian is telling the truth about them, then this is a shame. And shame on you both. At least first clear up in respect of those that suffered GBV. Not just come out and act as if nothing happened after all the commotion and support you as a woman has gotten,” she posted.

“If the allegations are truthful, we will cancel you as a doctor and your forex trader abuser. Women already deal with so much when it comes to GBV, and this case being so out there is one of the reasons why cops don’t take victims seriously when they open a case of GBV.”

Sisa Namandje & Co Inc wrote a letter to Julieta on 25 January this year, claiming that Anushelelo’s comments contained negative and defamatory statements that were misleading and damaging to their client’s reputation.

“The statements are further wrongful and injurious to our clients’ reputation, and are published with the fixed intention of defaming our clients and causing injury to their personality rights,” the letter stated.

It demanded that Amushelelo issue a “sincere apology to our clients on all her social media platforms within 24 hours of receiving the letter”.

Brownson and Amesho, through their attorney, are demanding compensation of N$125 000 each for defamation and harm to their reputations.

Amushelelo responded to the letter of demand, saying: “Fusek! Meet me in court!”

She yesterday confirmed receiving the letter, and said she would not apologise.

“There is nothing to apologise for, and I will not apologise,” she said.

Sisa Namandje & Co Inc’s candidate attorney, Junade Arnols, who wrote the letters of demand, yesterday said he could not provide more detail on the matter.

“I think the letters speak for themselves. What we are waiting for is just instructions from our clients on what to do next,” Arnols said.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

There have been fears that the recent increase in defamation cases could affect freedom of speech in Namibia.

Media ombudsman John Nakuta says freedom of speech on social media is limited and not absolute.

He says social media users should always be mindful of what they say on social media platforms, and should not defame individuals, thinking freedom of speech allows this.

“What you say on social media must not violate the rights of another person. Freedom of speech does not mean saying what you want, and even insulting or defaming others,” Nakuta says.

Brownson is also demanding an apology from gossip writer Patrick Haingura.

In a letter of demand addressed to Haingura on 25 January, Sisa Namandje & Co Inc says the writer has been threatening Brownson throughout 2022 to pay him N$80 000.

“You persistently threatened our client that if he does not pay you an amount of N$80 000 you would spread falsified rumours to the public about him in order to damage his good name and reputation as the chief executive officer of Tuyende Fishing (Pty) Ltd,” the letter reads.

The letter states that as a result of Haingura’s threats, Brownson paid N$80 000.

According to the letter, Haingura allegedly proceeded to publish certain content on various social media platforms, despite Brownson having paid the required amount.

Brownson is now demanding compensation of N$500 000 for the damage the defamation has caused his reputation.

Contacted for comment, Haingura said he has not received a letter, and has only heard about it.