High Court Interdicts Individual from Publishing False Allegations Against Ekurhuleni City Manager
BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR
High Court Interdicts Individual from Publishing False Allegations Against Ekurhuleni City Manager
The City of Ekurhuleni has welcomed an urgent order granted by the High Court of South Africa (Gauteng Local Division) in favor of City Manager Mr. Kagiso Lerutla against Mr. Modibe Julius Vladimir Madiba.
The High Court interdicted Mr. Madiba from publishing, repeating, or disseminating false statements alleging or implying that Mr. Lerutla:
- Is corrupt.
- Pays protection fees or bribes to local Councillors.
- Unlawfully funds political party campaigns.
- Is involved in the disposal of dead bodies.
Key Details of the Court Ruling
- Interdict Duration: The order remains in full force pending the finalization of a related damages lawsuit (case number 2026-176490).
- Retraction Mandate: Mr. Madiba was ordered to delete, remove, and retract all identified publications from his social media platforms—including his account on X—within one week of the order.
- Failure to Comply: The court granted Mr. Lerutla leave to approach the High Court for further legal relief should Mr. Madiba fail to adhere to the retraction directive.
- Legal Costs: Mr. Madiba was ordered to pay the application costs on a party-and-party basis, including counsel costs on Scale B.
City & Legal Statements
The City of Ekurhuleni highlighted that while it respects the role of public scrutiny and media freedom, serious claims must be backed by credible evidence rather than false information presented under the guise of investigative journalism.
The City also confirmed that all legal costs for the court application were paid by Mr. Lerutla in his personal capacity, with zero municipal or taxpayer funding used to pursue the matter.
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