Trevor Manuel sues EFF for defamation in Kieswetter case
Former finance minister wants the party to remove offending statements about him from its website and for the court to declare the comments defamatory and false
Trevor Manuel is suing the EFF, its leader Julius Malema and its spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi after they alleged that he oversaw a “nepotistic” and “corrupt” process to appoint new SA Revenue Service (Sars) commissioner Edward Kieswetter. In an application to the High Court in Johannesburg dated April 10, Manuel asked the court to declare the EFF’s comments about him defamatory and false. He also wanted the party to be compelled to remove the offending statement from its online platforms. Manuel also wants the EFF to be interdicted from repeating similar allegations. Kieswetter is expected to take over as Sars commissioner on May 1. The former finance minister also claimed damages for injury to his reputation, saying the court should determine the quantum of the damages which, if awarded, he will donate to charity. Manuel said in court papers that the comments made by the party had injured his name, reputation and standing in society. “I would like to make myself availab...
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