Kasrils sues deputy defence minister over rape claims

Posted 22 February 2015 Written by Times Live
Category Crime

Former intelligence minister Ronnie Kasrils is suing Deputy Defence Minister Kebby Maphatsoe for defamation after accusing him of setting up President Jacob Zuma for a rape charge, according to a report, according to Times Live.

Kasrils has filed summons in the High Court in Pretoria claiming R1 million, including legal fees, from Maphatsoe for his "false and derogatory statements",

Maphatsoe alleged Kasrils "handpicked" the woman who later accused Zuma of rape, and "sent" her to lay the charge. He made the remarks at a press briefing before last year's elections, City Press reported on Sunday.

Kasrils said Maphatsoe had accused him of improper conduct when he was intelligence head of Umkhonto we Sizwe.

At the time the allegations were made, Kasrils was one of the leaders of a campaign to encourage the public to vote against the ANC or spoil their ballot.

According to court papers, Kasrils said Maphatsoe had not complied with a previous request to provide proof of his allegations or apologise.

The High Court in Johannesburg found Zuma not guilty of the rape charge in May 2006.

The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Acts Online. Acts Online accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the article, nor does the information contained herein constitute advice, legal or otherwise.