Mti tells Trollip to back off on claims

But DA leader says he won’t be bullied and refers matter to his lawyers

NELSON Mandela Bay safety and security boss Linda Mti is demanding that the metro’s DA mayoral candidate Athol Trollip stop accusing him of being corrupt, dishonest and unfit to be in his position.

This comes after Trollip warned on Saturday that Mti’s future at the municipality looked bleak.

Mti was hired as the safety and security director in April despite being under investigation by the Hawks for alleged tender irregularities.

The allegations are linked to his stint as the Department of Correctional Services boss.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) handed over a report on the alleged irregularities to the Hawks in 2010, but no action has been taken since then.

Trollip laid a criminal complaint against Mti last month while promising that the DA would implement a proper metro police force in the Bay – which currently falls under Mti.

Yesterday, Mti’s Johannesburg lawyer, James Ndebele, sent a letter to Trollip, demanding that he refrain from levelling accusations against Mti – or face possible legal action.

But Trollip said yesterday he would not be bullied and the matter had been sent to his attorneys.

“I have sent the letter to my lawyers to respond,” he said.

In the letter, Ndebele said Trollip had “for several months, repeatedly and publicly” attacked Mti.

“You have . . . repeatedly accused our client in the media of being corrupt, dishonest and unfit to occupy his present position.

“Coupled with this, you appear to have also suggested that our client has engaged in corrupt activities in his past and, or, present positions.”

Ndebele highlighted one media report where Trollip was quoted as saying that Mti belonged in jail.

According to Ndebele, Mti denied all the allegations against him, stating they were trumped up.

“Our client absolutely rejects and disputes having conducted himself in any blameworthy manner and will have no difficulty in defending and refuting any allegations should they ever come before a court.”

The letter calls the SIU report “untested contents” and accuses Trollip of “brazenly and recklessly” undermining the constitution as Mti was innocent until proven guilty.

“Your conduct, remarks and allegations are therefore wrongful and defamatory of our client.”

The letter requests Trollip to confirm in writing that he will cease from making disparaging remarks.

You have . . . repeatedly accused our client of being corrupt, dishonest . . .