LontohCoal Files Multi-Million Rand Lawsuit Against Former City Press Reporter

SANDTON, South Africa - Feb. 20, 2014 - PRLog -- LontohCoal Limited (“LontohCoal” or “Company”), a growing mining and energy company in Southern Africa, has filed a ZAR112 million lawsuit in the South Gauteng High Court of South Africa against former City Press Reporter, Mr. Mpho Sibanyoni (“Sibanyoni”). Sibanyoni, who is defending the matter, has yet to file his plea.

Furthermore, the Company confirms its decision to proceed with the lawsuit in the State of New York, USA, against Media Empire, Naspers Limited (“Naspers”), for damages exceeding ZAR9.3 billion in quantum. The Company has already briefed its lawyers in the State of New York in this regard.

The lawsuits are based on reputational damage and financial losses suffered by the Company stemming from three articles written by Sibanyoni and published in City Press Newspaper and the internet media platforms of Naspers.

The three articles were published during 29 January 2012 – 29 April 2012 under the headings: “The ANC bigwigs and business guru duped”, “Lontoh Coal blows investors’ millions – Money used to pay for flights, hotels, interior designs” and “LontohCoal Reneges On Coal Pact”.

The Company maintains that these articles are false and malicious and that Sibanyoni wrongfully and intentionally misrepresented the facts which directly resulted in the Company suffering damages. The Company also submits that Sibanyoni acted in breach of the South African Press Code by distorting, exaggerating and misrepresenting the facts.

It is the view of the Board of Directors of LontohCoal that these are significant and necessary steps towards seeking redress against Sibanyoni and Naspers for the harm it states the Company has suffered as a result of the publication of the defamatory articles.

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