Holomisa asks us to reveal our sources
Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Mongameli Bobani’s legal representative stuck to his guns on Tuesday, saying the mayor would not hand over documents to former corporate services boss Vuyo Zitumane’s legal team.
Zitumane – who is suing Bobani for defamation – had asked through her lawyer Gerald Friedman for Bobani to hand over documents she believes he has in his possession pertaining to her appointment at the municipality – an appointment which Bobani claimed was corrupt.
Friedman last week asked the court to order Bobani to produce the documents that allegedly contained information exposing Zitumane as corrupt.
Zitumane is suing Bobani to the tune of R500,000 for allegedly defaming her during her tenure at the municipality, saying she was intent on clearing her name.
While Bobani has claimed to have proof of the alleged corruption, his lawyer Zolile Ngqeza failed to provide such documents on Tuesday.
While he did not hand over any documents, Ngqeza filed Bobani’s response to the request in the Port Elizabeth High Court’s motion court.
Tuesday was the deadline date for Bobani’s legal team to file responding papers and further particulars requested by Zitumane’s team.
In the responding papers, Bobani claimed the request was too vague to be considered and that the paperwork being asked for was privileged information.
The documents did not, however, give any indication as to why the paperwork would be privileged.
Asked for clarity on the documents being privileged, Ngqeza did not respond despite several calls and WhatsApp messages, two of which he read.
Friedman said he would, on Zitumane’s behalf, file another application within the week, again requesting access to the alleged documentation.
The matter is set down for trial in December.