Johannesburg - The battle between former ANC treasurer-general Mathews Phosa and his former house manager, Jan Venter, has taken another turn.
Phosa filed complaints of criminal defamation and perjury against Venter at the White River police station on Saturday.
The criminal defamation complaint relates to an allegation made by Venter that he saw Phosa putting together a document alleging that David Mabuza, the premier of Mpumalanga and leader of the ANC in the province, might have been a police spy.
In his affidavit dated February 25, Venter alleges that Phosa discussed Mabuza and his alleged spy activities with Nick Elliot, an associate.
In an affidavit submitted to the police, Phosa said that he was the author of the secret document, as alleged by Venter.
“At no time during Venter’s employment did I draft notes as he alleges, nor discuss or make mention of Mabuza or secret numbers with Nicholas Elliot as alleged by Venter. This is a false statement Venter has made under oath,” Phosa wrote.
The basis of the perjury charge is what Phosa describes as conflicting statements made by Venter regarding the return of business information and family photos, videos and other information.
In the affidavit, Phosa says that on May 12, Debbie Burnett, his personal assistant, reported that Venter had handed over a memory stick which he said contained all the photographs,e-mails, and video clips that were in his possession.
Venter, Phosa added, refused to confirm in writing that he had deleted all the information in his possession relating to the Phosa family and business.
Phosa says that Venter later confirmed, on May 20, through his lawyer, Hannelie Janse van Rensburg, that he had returned all the photographs, documents and videos in his possession.
The lawyer also confirmed that Venter had deleted all the information in his possession.
“Venter, in his affidavit dated February 25, 2015, has made a contradictory statement under oath,” Phosa wrote. “I submit that Venter has committed a crime of perjury and criminal defamation against me, hereby insulting and defaming my good name and reputation.”
The complaints filed by Phosa are the latest salvo in the battle with Venter. It started with contestation at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, where Venter’s claim against his former boss was dismissed. Phosa has instituted a civil claim against Venter for R53 000.
Phosa has applied for a default judgment in the matter because Venter has not filed replying affidavits. The matter is to be heard on Monday.
The Sunday Independent