Port Elizabeth - A former Democratic Alliance (DA) activist who accused Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Athol Trollip of offering her a bribe, has yet to find herself another attorney while the State has finalised its investigations and is trial ready.
Nontuthuzelo Jack, 47, who faces a charge of criminal injuria, was back in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court on Thursday where the case against her was once again delayed. The State indicated that investigations were complete and the matter was now trial ready, but Jack still needs a lawyer after she fired her legal aid attorney earlier this month.
Defence attorney, Mark Jacobs, officially withdrew as her attorney on Thursday, citing that Jack did not want to co-operate with him.
Magistrate Onke Myataza ordered that Jack visit the Legal Aid offices to resolve the matter.
Jack from Tshwete Village, is accused of defaming Trollip by claiming he offered her a bribe to “dig up dirt” on DA provincial chairwoman Veliswa Mvenya.
Her claims were published in a local newspaper in the run-up to the municipal elections last year.
At the time, Jack and Trollip were vying for the same position in the DA.
“The accused, whether to improve her own chances for selection, or whether to diminish Trollip’s, proceeded to repeatedly publish, or caused to be published, false and defamatory allegations of Trollip having attempted to bribe her with cash in turn for undue favours,” the charge sheet reads.
According to court documents, Jack also deposed an affidavit containing false accusations and forwarded it to DA Federal Executive Chairperson James Selfe.
The case will continue on September 21.