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BLF leader Andile Mngxitama was sentenced by the Gauteng High Court sitting in Johannesburg to refrain from accusing the billionaire and mining mogul Patrice Motsepe of political interference. of Botswana.
In his ruling on Thursday, Judge Thifhelimbilu Mudau also ordered Mangxitama to withdraw any damaging statements or references concerning or concerning Motsepe posted on his party's website.
The decision was to be executed immediately, as an interim order, pending the outcome of the action brought by Motsepe against Mngxitama and his party.
The case between Motsepe and Mngxitama should be the subject of a lawsuit.
Allegations of blow
Mngxitama accused Motsepe, his sister Bridgette Motsepe-Radebe, married to Energy Minister Jeff Radebe, of planning a coup in Botswana, to interfere in the process Botswana and to be agents of regime change.
Motsepe-Radebe, 59, is president of the South African Mining Development Association. She is also the eldest sister of President Cyril Ramaphosa's wife, Tshepo Motsepe.
Botswana recently banned Motsepe-Radebe from entering the country without a visa, according to documents seen by AFP.
South Africans do not normally need a prior visa to visit their landlocked, diamond-rich neighbor.
The document did not justify the visa requirement, although Ms. Motsepe-Radebe was accused of having intervened in the recent election to the leadership of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) for the purpose of to remove President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
According to local media reports, former foreign minister Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, a former foreign minister, allegedly financed President Masisi's rival campaign as the party's top official.
LILY: Botswana revokes Bridgette Motsepe-Radebe visa-free entry
Motsepe's attorney, lawyer John Campbell, argued that Mngxitama's allegations that Motsepe would fund a coup in Botswana were based on articles published in Botswana's newspaper, Sunday. Standard.
"The Applicant is a businessman who travels a lot and does not want to be charged with it.The allegations are prejudicial, inflammatory and insulting.There is no reason to believe that the Applicant is involved in the allegations reported by Sunday. There is no basis at all. "
Freedom of expression
Mngixitama's lawyer, lawyer Luyanda Nyandiwe, responded that the court should consider his client's statements as a freedom of expression.
"There is a public debate on Motsepe-Radebe and his involvement in Botswana, the complainant is not an official but a public figure, and we say we need to debate his influence in Botswana." The facts are that his sister is accused of political influence in the majority party in Botswana ".
Mngxitama said that he was not surprised by Judge Mudau's decision.
"Black Land First is involved in battles with very powerful people in the society, land thieves have brought us to justice, we have appeared in court, and we have not been able to campaign." The agents of monopoly capital White also made sure not to be able to fully express the abuse of power that comes with money. "We told Mostepe when he sent us letters of request and asked him what is wrong and if you tell us that we can retract. "
Mngxitama said that if Motsepe felt he had misinterpreted the facts, he was willing to meet him.
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