R1.3m ‘neighbour from hell’ Facebook claim

Messages of hate poured in after ‘smear campaign’

PRETORIA: The danger of defaming someone on Facebook was once again highlighted in a damages claim instituted by a Centurion businessman, whose name was “dragged in the mud” by his next-door neighbour.

Paul Hechter said in papers before the high court in Pretoria that he was accused of being a peeping Tom, a pervert and a paedophile. This smear campaign, he said, caused him immense hardship, as messages of hate poured in from “concerned Centurion citizens”.

“I was called ‘a sick bliksem, a sick monster who should be kept away from children, a f…… paedo’ and even ‘a disgusting piece of s…’.”

Apart from the community’s tongues wagging about his “misconduct”, he started to receive threats via Facebook. According to Hechter, the author of the messages was Michelle Benade – twice his neighbour.

He obtained an order against her in February in terms of which she had to retract the statements she had made about him on Facebook. She had to apologise for her comments and was interdicted from posting any similar comments in future.

But Hechter turned to court again – this time claiming R1.3 million in damages from Benade for defaming his good name and reputation.

The woman did not defend the action and Hechter asked for a summary judgment. Judge Mammon Teffo, however, postponed the matter indefinitely as Hechter was required to file a further affidavit in the matter.

Hector said his problems started in April last year when Benade and her family moved into the unit next to his in a complex. They kept chickens close to the border wall which were noisy and disturbed the peace. They did get rid of the chickens, but Hechter said “this was not the end of my neighbour troubles”.

Next they got about 50 to 60 rabbits. After he complained to the body corporate, Benade released them in the estate, for which she was fined.

According to him, from then on Benade made his life hell. As he was threatened by people believing the posts and, out of fear for his life, he moved.

“To my utter shock and amazement, Benade and her family also moved... They moved in right next to me and were once again my neighbours. I could not believe this and I am sure it is because she wants to carry on with her vendetta against me.”