Plaintiff brought an action for defamation against defendants, who had reported to the local authorities and police that the plaintiff was holding the defendant’s relative a prisoner by witchcraft. This was untrue as subsequent investigation
showed. The only defence offered was that the defendants had been advised by a local witchdoctor that the plaintiff was hiding their relative through the use of witchcraft. This defence was accepted by the primary court, but rejected by the district court.
Held: The defence was properly rejected. The defendants published the allegation to the local authorities and police, and must pay damages of Shs. 500/- for defaming the plaintiff.
