Marconati takes legal action against news site for defamatory articles

MARONDERA – Prominent Italian businessman, Francisco Marconati, has issued a stern warning to local online publication Bulawayo24.com, threatening legal action over what he claims are defamatory articles.

Marconati’s legal representatives, Joel Pincus, Konson, and Wolhuter Legal Practitioners, have sent a letter of demand to Bulawayo24.com, asserting that two articles published by the news site contain false and damaging allegations against their client.

The contentious articles, titled “Self-styled Italian mafia boss exposed for abusing Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga’s name to grab mines and companies,” and “Italian investor Francesco Marconati flouts mining regulations…poses threat to national security,” have drawn the ire of the businessman.

In the letter of demand, lawyers of the Marondera based magnate condemn the articles as malicious and untrue, stating that their client’s reputation and business interests have been unjustly harmed by the publication’s unfounded claims.

“The malicious statements…are false and malicious and bend to assassinate his character socially and as a business person,” the lawyers wrote, referring to the damaging allegations made in the articles.

Furthermore, Marconati‘s legal team expressed dismay at the publication’s failure to seek their client’s comment or verify the facts before publishing the articles, labeling the reporting as “untruthful, inaccurate, and unfair.”

Marconati demands apology

Demanding the immediate withdrawal of the articles and a public apology from Bulawayo24.com, Marconati’s lawyers warned of legal action should their demands not be met by Tuesday.

The businessman alleges that the publication is attempting to stifle his voice amid an ongoing legal dispute with former business associates.

Marconati is embroiled in a legal battle with former director Li Song, whom he accuses of involvement in the externalization of significant sums of money through offshore entities.

This dispute has escalated to involve allegations against employees of a local bank and officials at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, adding complexity to the legal proceedings.

Marconati’s efforts to address the matter extend beyond Zimbabwe, with legal action pursued in Mauritian courts to recover funds allegedly siphoned out by his ex-wife, Li.

Eagle Italian Shoes and Leather Company, where Marconati holds a stake, plays a significant role in supplying leather products to Zimbabwe’s security sector.

As the deadline for compliance with the demands approaches, the situation underscores the challenges of navigating legal battles amid claims of defamation and reputational damage.