Johannesburg - A former Democratic Alliance (DA) activist, who accused Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Athol Trollip of offering her a bribe, is expected to appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Nontuthuzelo Jack, 47, 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.
According to court documents, Jack also deposed an affidavit containing false accusations and forwarded it to DA Federal Executive Chairperson James Selfe.
“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.
Jack faces a charge of criminal defamation.
On August 10, Jack fired her attorney in the middle of court proceedings, and it was indicated in court that Jack wanted to apply for a new attorney from legal aid. The prosecution also indicated that it could not proceed because cell phone records were still outstanding.