Bovu’s lawyers demand EFF provide proof of bribery claims

Lawyers for ANC Johannesburg councillor Dan Bovu have sent a letter to the EFF asking that it provide proof of the bribery allegations by the end of business on Monday or retract its statement.

The EFF on Sunday alleged that Bovu had tried to bribe its Johannesburg councillors to vote for the ANC during the first council sitting where a mayor would be elected.

Bovu has denied meeting with any EFF councillor or offering a bribe.

 Earlier‚ the EFF objected to Bovu being sworn in as a councillor in Johannesburg calling him a “criminal“.

EFF councillor Musa Novela said his party had opened a case of corruption against Bovu‚ and would not allow the swearing in to proceed.

However‚ City Manager Trevor Fowler said this was a matter for the court and that the swearing in of councillors would proceed in accordance with legislation.

 A lawyer’s letter was sent to EFF secretary general Godrich Gardee on behalf of Bovu.

“Our client denies the allegations that he corrupted or attempted to corrupt your members in any way or form... In the premises‚ our client records that your allegations are false‚ malicious and defamatory to say the least‚” Victor Nkhwashu‚ for Bovu‚ said in the letter.

Nkhwashu said his client wanted the EFF to provide evidence of the allegations‚ failing which it must send a written retraction of its allegations.

“Failing which our client will approach the High Court for an alternative relief and a cost order you/and or your organisation on a higher scale‚” he said.