Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
7 May 1998
RE: PREMIER MATHOLE MOTSHEKGA'S LAWYERS SERVE SUMMONS FOR THE DEMAND OF R3M IN DAMAGES FROM THE MAIL & GUARDIAN.
Premier Mathole Motshekga's lawyers, Meltz; Le Roux & Motshekga Inc. have today served summons on the Editor of the Mail & Guardian, Mr Phillip van Niekerk; its owners M&G Media LTD; distributors, Caxton Limited; and reporter Stefaans Brummer. The Premier is demanding a sum of three million rands (R3m) in damages from the said defendants.
The first lawsuit emanates from an article which was published by the newspaper which was entitled "Who crashed Mathole's car?". Dr Motshekga's lawyers say that the article damaged the Premier's reputation and that he has suffered damages in the amount of one million rands.
The second claim emanates from an article which was published by the Mail & Guardian entitled "NC probes spy claims against Motshekga" on the 17 April 1998. Dr Motshekga's lawyers say as the result of the article the Premier "has been damaged in his reputation and has suffered damages in the amount of two million rands".
The Premier has, for the past four months, suffered unwarranted and slanderous reports by the said newspaper. On many occasions it has failed to give his office adequate time to formulate responses and also failed to treat the Premier's responses fairly.
Despite the vindication of the Premier's position by the Negota Commission, the newspaper continues its campaign against Dr Motshekga. The Office of the Premier therefore feels that the newspaper, and Dr Motshekga, will be equal before the law, and that both parties will have an opportunity to put their cases before court.
For more info, call Makhosini Nkosi on 355 6111 or 082 574 5495.