Harare West Member of Parliament Joana Mamombe, representing the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has filed a $100,000 defamation lawsuit against fellow party member and Southerton MP Bridget Nyandoro.
In summons submitted to the High Court, Mamombe accuses Nyandoro of spreading damaging and false allegations, including claims that Mamombe had a sexual relationship with former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa and received political favors in exchange for sexual relations with powerful individuals, including members of the ruling party.
Mamombe described these statements—allegedly circulated in WhatsApp chats—as highly defamatory, portraying her as corrupt, immoral, dishonest, and untrustworthy. She specifically cited Nyandoro’s accusations that she faked an abduction, stole land stands, raped individuals, and wrongfully claimed the title of human rights defender. The allegations also include claims that she engaged in a conflict with fellow politician Wellington Chikombo, allegedly intruding into his marriage.
Nyandoro reportedly went as far as to label Mamombe a hypocrite, stating that she would never testify against Chamisa due to their close relationship, and questioning her credibility as a women’s rights advocate. Nyandoro allegedly said:
“You of all people do not have a moral standing to call other females to stand up and fight for the abuse of women and citizens.”
Mamombe insists that these remarks are baseless and intended to damage her reputation. She has given Nyandoro 10 days to respond to the lawsuit, warning that failure to do so will result in the High Court proceeding without her input.
