Malema gives Zille until Wednesday to withdraw her claims
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Scrolla.Africa
Julius Malema’s lawyers demand that Helen Zille withdraw her allegations, issue a public apology and commit not to repeat them. They threaten legal action, according to a letter dated 9 November cited by Scrolla.Africa.
The leader of the opposition EFF (Economic Freedom Fighters), Julius Malema, has given Helen Zille, DA leader, until Wednesday 11 November to withdraw her allegations and issue a public apology. The formal notice, dated 9 November and signed by the firm England Slabbert Attorneys, was published by the EFF on its official Facebook page.
In an interview with the eNCA channel on Sunday 8 November, Helen Zille claimed that former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba depended on EFF support to remain in office and let Julius Malema influence major municipal decisions. According to the letter, she attributes to him decisions concerning City Power and the city’s fleet tender, for the benefit of himself and his "front companies". She also claims that Herman Mashaba appointed Shadrack Sibiya, former deputy national police commissioner, to head Johannesburg’s anti-corruption unit on Malema’s instructions.
Malema’s lawyers describe these allegations as "vexatious, inappropriate, unfounded and false". They demand a retraction published on Zille’s social media accounts, an apology, a right to review the statement before publication, and a written undertaking not to repeat these remarks. Failing that, they threaten an action for damages and an interdict preventing any further publication. The letter does not specify the amount sought. Helen Zille had not yet responded to the formal notice.
The dispute is part of the battle for the Johannesburg mayoralty. The Sunday Times reported on 8 November that ActionSA wants the DA to withdraw Helen Zille as its candidate and back Herman Mashaba instead.
