CATHOLIC priest Frank Bwalya is socially wanting and of questionable character and standing in society, the Zambia Daily Mail has observed.
This is according to a defence and counter-claim filed in the Lusaka High Court against Father Bwalya’s defamation of character suit.
The defendants argue that Father Bwalya has never denied fathering a child on the Copperbelt and yet he insists on exhibiting a ‘holier than thou’ attitude towards President Banda and the MMD government on social and political issues.
Early this year, Fr Bwalya sued reporters Angela Chishimba and Wallen Simwaka, former Patriotic Front secretary general Edward Mumbi and the Zambia Daily Mail for defamation of character.
The suit followed the publication of a story in March, regarding Fr Bwalya siring a child on the Copperbelt. The priest is demanding K5 billion in damages.
“When contacted for a comment on the revelation that he had fathered a child, Fr Bwalya did confirm that his child was in Ndola and not in Kitwe,” the claim says.
The defendants also argue that Fr Bwalya has continuously involved himself in partisan politics, spending most of his time denouncing the government and insulting President Banda without any justification.
The defence and counter-claim also says Fr Bwalya has openly campaigned for a political party in Mumbwa, Mporokoso and other parts of the country and has frequently used vulgar language.
“Fr Bwalya has also exhibited dishonesty by claiming to be executive director of Change Life Zambia and using the organisation to gain political mileage, until the truth was discovered.
“The plaintiff’s conduct as a priest has been contrary to the provisions of the Holy Bible. He has disregarded Romans 13 verses 1 to 7 partly stating that “Let every soul be subject to the governing authority. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Whoever resists authority resists the authority of God, for the rulers are not a terror of good works but to evil…”
At trial, the defendants will cite other examples in denial of the plaintiff’s allegations contained in the Statement of Claim and will produce witnesses as and when need arises.
The defendants do not dispute that the articles were published but deny that the said words or articles referred to were defamatory.
According to the particulars of slander raised by the defendants, Fr Bwalya on several occasions between the year 2009 and 2011 uttered disparaging remarks, words and innuendo against the Zambia Daily Mail and its sister paper, the Sunday Mail, describing the publications as not worth reading.
“As a result, the Zambia Daily Mail publications have not enjoyed as wide a readership as some newspapers have, resulting into substantial loss of business.”
Fr Bwalya has also on several occasions uttered disparaging remarks, words and innuendo against the Zambia Daily Mail’s servants or agents, regarding their professional work and calling, thus lowering their professional integrity and standing.
The Catholic Priest’s slander against the Zambia Daily Mail and its servants or agents was understood to mean that the media institution and its journalists are unprofessional, incompetent and totally biased.
As a result, the Zambia Daily Mail and its agents or servants have been lowered in their professional standing in society and suffered injury to their character, reputation and professional standing.
The media institution filed a counter-claim against Fr Bwalya for general damages for slander and aggravated and exemplary damages.
Other claims include interest on damages at current bank ruling rates and costs.
[Zambia Daily Mail]
Angela, Angela, Angela. The bible says before you point at the speck in another’s eye, remove the log from yours. Tell the nation about the child you have with a mmarried man at the minisrministry of finance. Father Bwalya has committed no greater sin than you have comitted through fornication.
Father Bwalya because of his political activities, has exposed himself to public ridicule and insults. I personally think he smokes dagga.
yaba not this guy kaya ni gay supporter again in the papers making head lines.
“When contacted for a comment on the revelation that he had fathered a child, Fr Bwalya did confirm that his child was in Ndola and not in Kitwe,” the claim says.
ACTUALLY L.T YOU POSTED A STORY SAYING THE FATHER SAID AND QUOTE ” I WORKED IN NDOLA SO HOW COULD I HAVE WORKED WITH A WOMAN IN KITWE AT THE SAME TIME.” There was no mention of him saying the child existed
As a result, the Zambia Daily Mail and its agents or servants have been lowered in their professional standing in society and suffered injury to their character, reputation and professional standing.
It cant get any lower than it has been for so long…..It is well known for MMD propaganda and lies.
Very poor journalism and biased reporting so what can the judge decide based on facts well known.
ANGELA HAS A CHILD WITH CHILESHE KANDETA…ELO NITILILI!!
Frank made vows never to have sex with a woman and thats why he was a catholic priest but alas his private member has troubled him so he has sired a child.He has now released that he must only have sex with fellow men,because the vow made was not to have sex with women.because of this you will see him support the gay party to the last drop of his blood.Frank just support your child dont be shy about it.mwana obe.insele shena uleke mwandi,
CHURCHES,POLITICAL PARTIES,PRINT AND ELECTRONIC MEDIA,GRZ,AND ANY OTHER AUTHORITY -PLEASE LET US NOT DELIBERATELY MIS-INTERRPRATE THE HOLY SCRIPTURES.
Danniel in the Bible did not abide or respect the authority of NEBUGHADENEZER when Danniel was told to worship King NEB..
The Bible states that -where the law of man conflicts with the law of GOD follow the law of GOD.
However I still categorise Fr.Bwalya in the PHARISEES category ,because he is using the catholic church to deceive blind followers that he is GOD servant when he is a versal of hatred political partisanship and immoral(priest sexing/abusing sheep/church member.
Hey, the subject is father Bwalya or whatever you call him. He is such a disgrace to the Priests.He must quit as a priest.Shame on you fake father!!
The priest,wo goes by the name,faza walya is demanding K5 billion in damages! This boy is a broke and a crook that needs whipping in his ..$$
5 billion Kwacha, I think umuguys uyu ali lwala. Even if he was defamed, I doubt he has a reputation to protect worth 5 billion Kwacha.
Is Angela a nun for you to compare her with fr bwalya? If so then she has no right to write about the priest
Whoever is incharge of this lunatic.please can u cage him before he destroys the little that is left of the church.i used to be a proud catholic until this clown appeared
You can certainly see your expertise within the paintings you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. At all times follow your heart.