Businessman Patrice Motsepe addresses the Launch Dinner of African Business Unity Secretariat, Emoyeni Conference Centre in Johannesburg. (Photo: GCIS)
Botswana newspaper being sued by Patrice Motsepe for defamation
Claims Patrice Motsepe is trying to influence politics in the country have done more the R6.5 million to his reputation, according to his representatives.
Businessman Patrice Motsepe addresses the Launch Dinner of African Business Unity Secretariat, Emoyeni Conference Centre in Johannesburg. (Photo: GCIS)
Businessman Patrice Motsepe has filed a defamation lawsuit against Botswana newspaper Sunday Standard for claiming he tried to influence politics in the country.
Motsepe’s alleged campaign donations
The newspaper published an article in which it claimed Motsepe, a billionaire and one of the richest men in South Africa, had donated R22 million to Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi’s campaign to become the Botswana Democratic Party president.
Motsepe was unhappy with the following excerpts from the article:
“By Friday, a team of Botswana Police Service officers was investigating a number of security companies which are allegedly being used to smuggle campaign money into the country.
“This followed unconfirmed reports that South African mining tycoon Patrice Motsepe, who is also brother to Brigette, had donated R22-million to Venson-Moitoi’s campaign, which had already been smuggled into Botswana.
“…Motsepe is understood to be eyeing big mining concessions in Botswana should Venson-Moitoi win the BDP and subsequently Botswana presidency.”
Motsepe hits back
This, Motsepe’s representatives say, is defamatory. Not only that, according to filed court papers, they claim the article has done over R6.5 million in damages to their client’s reputation.
“As a result of the publication of the offending statement, the plaintiff has been injured in his reputation and has suffered damages in the amount of P5 000 000,” read the court papers, according to Mmegi Online.
“In the premise, the defendant is liable to the plaintiff in the amount of P5 000 000. The article and the offending statement remain published on the website.”
They also demanded an apology be published.
Runs in the family
This not the first time a member of the Motsepe family has become involved with issues in Botswana.
According to Times Live, Patrice’s sister and wife of Jeff Radebe, Bridgette Radebe had her visa-free entry rights to the country revoked earlier in 2019.
South Africans do not usually require a visa to enter Botswana.
While no official reason for the sanction was given, media in the country have been making accusations about her meddling in the country’s political affairs similar to that of her brother.
