Millers Threaten To Sue Judith Makwanya Over Story

The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has threatened to sue Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) senior journalist Judith Makwanya over a televised report that they were spinning RBZ-issued foreign currency on the parallel market.

On February 26 this year, Makwanya reported about one Douglas Kwande, a local farmer from Gweru who was said to be in the business of baking bread using locally-produced wheat. GMAZ dismissed allegations there were milling companies that were reluctant to support wheat producers. They also denied receiving or requesting foreign currency from RBZ, which they allegedly spin on the black market.

GMAZ instructed their lawyers Wintertons Legal Practitioners to demand the specific names of the milling companies selling foreign currency on the black market, the exact black market dealers who have dealt with milling companies and the names of wheat producers who have requested for support from the alleged milling companies. GMAZ lawyers said if Makwanya fails to avail the names they will institute legal proceedings against her in her personal capacity for possible injury and possible harm to the reputation of milling companies currently operating in Zimbabwe. The letter was served to Makwanya on March 1 and she is yet to respond.