Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi has instituted legal action againstBusiness Day and independent political analyst Protas Madlala.
This follows the publication of a “libellous article” about the IFP that appeared in the paper on June 20, 2010, the party said on Monday.
“The article contained a wrongful and defamatory statement made by Mr Madlala in which he attacked the integrity and character of Prince Buthelezi.”
The IFP had initially issued a letter of demand to the paper and Madlala appealing to them to withdraw the statement and issue an apology in place and manner as prominent as the defamatory article had initially appeared.
In addition, the IFP’s lawyers had asked that Business Day remove the article from its website and pay damages.
The IFP had hoped at the time that the matter could be resolved amicably between the three parties.
“However, despite the demand the defendants have neither paid damages to Prince Buthelezi, nor have they retracted the defamatory statements or apologised.
“They have also not removed the offending article from their website where the public is still able to access the article.”
Madlala’s “slanderous comments” had caused Buthelezi unnecessary harm.
This had left the IFP leader with no other option but to defend the IFP’s and his own reputation through legal action, the party said. — Sapa