Jack fires lawyer in middle of court proceedings

A FORMER DA activist who accused Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Athol Trollip of offering her a bribe, fired her attorney in the middle of court proceedings.

Nontuthuzelo Jack, 47, was back in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court where the case against her hit another snag.

Jack is accused of defaming Trollip by claiming he offered her a bribe to “dig up dirt” on DA provincial chairperson Veliswa Mvenya.

Her claims were published in a local newspaper in the run-up to the municipal elections last year.

Jack and Trollip were vying for the same post.

“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.

In court documents, Jack also deposed an affidavit containing false accusations and forwarded it to DA federal executive chairperson James Selfe.

Jack faces a charge of criminal defamation.

During yesterday’s proceedings, while in the dock, Jack was heard telling her Legal Aid attorney “I no longer want you”.

It was indicated in court that she wanted to apply for a new attorney from Legal Aid.

Meanwhile, the prosecution could not proceed because cellphone records were still outstanding.

Prosecutor Thabo Sali asked the court to grant yet another postponement.

“The investigating officer is on leave and the records have not yet been compiled. The police docket is in possession of the State,” said Sali.

Legal pair Alwyn Griebenow and advocate Terry Price have been given a watching brief by Trollip.

The case was postponed until September 7. – ANA