SARS can't be defamed, former spokesperson argues in court
Pretoria – SARS commissioner Tom Moyane must bear the brunt of allegations levelled against him and the organisation, the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria heard on Tuesday.
"He is a tall tree and tall trees are expected to be buffeted by the wind. It must be remembered that he is suing for defamation in his official and personal capacity," advocate Max du Plessis, for former SARS spokesperson Adrian Lackay, argued in court.
SARS and Moyane are suing Lackay for defamation. SARS wants R10m in damages from him, and Moyane R2m.
Du Plessis said SARS, as an organ of State, could not be defamed. He argued for the matter to be struck off the roll.
William Mokhari, for SARS and Moyane, argued that if the reputations of "critical institutions" like SARS were dented, the economy would crumble.