Mail &Guardian Reporter
KWAZULU-NATAL attorney general Tim McNally has two targets in his sights at the moment: Magnus Malan and other generals acussed of “hit squad” activity; and the Mail & Guardian, accused of defamation.
McNally this week served summons on the M&G, claiming R250 000. This arises from articles published in the M&G on August 4 this year, which reported on fears that McNally was not fulfilling his task in serving the interests of justice in KwaZulu-Natal. In particular, the articles drew attention to McNally’s apparent reluctance to prosecute hit-squad activities in the province.
The article contained McNally’s rebuttal of these claims. McNally is suing the newspaper on the grounds that the articles caused him to suffer “damages to his reputation, dignity, fair name and status”.
After the articles critical of McNally, the M&G published an opinion written by McNally in which he denied the claims against him.
The newspaper is to oppose his claim on the grounds that robust criticism of a public official is protected by the new constitution.