I quit my Job Two months ago, and two co worker are accusing me that i was steeling from the owner and two more co worker were helping me . Do i have a case of defamation against a co-worker?

I was working in a company for more that 6 years and I quit my job, to much gossipy, now two co worker are telling the owner of the company that i was stealing from him. one of the ladies just got a 3 weeks suspension because she was using her cellphone to watch soap during her schedule . she said that i am sleeping with one of the co worker and also i was stealing from the owner and he was helping me . I just start my own business and i am worry because this is going to affect my work and the good relationship that i left at work with the owner. because I left in a good way. the second lady always wants to take my position so she is the one doing translation and she also is adding more stuff the the owner. The owner did not contact me yet . because he said that i am his pass . but is not the point. I would to know if i have a case for defamation against a co worker?