Pretoria - Former Umkhonto we Sizwe commander Ronnie Kasrils and Deputy Defence Minister Kebby Maphatsoe buried the hatchet when they late on Tuesday settled the R1-million defamation claim instituted by Kasrils against Maphatsoe and the MK Veterans Association (MKMVA).
In terms of the settlement, Maphatsoe as well as the MKMVA will jointly pay Kasrils R500 000 in damages.
Maphatsoe is also the national chairman of the MKMVA.
Both Maphatsoe and the MKMVA retracted the offending statements made by the deputy minister against Kasrils during the 2014 “no vote campaign.” It was stated in the settlement, made an order of court, that the statements are “false, offensive and unacceptable.”
The MKMVA and Mapatsoe apologised to Kasrils for the statements.
They also apologised for the public statements made in which Kasrils was accused of instigating Khwezi to lay rape charges against President Jacob Zuma.
The defendants in this regard also admitted that the statements were false and offensive towards Kasrils.
Kasrils, who during the morning had harsh words for Maphatsoe and called him a deserter after he deserted an MK camp, after the settlement shook hands with Mapatsoe.
Kasrils said the money he will receive as a result of the settlement will go towards Khwezi.
Kasrils said he was now vindicated, of which he was very grateful.
Pretoria News