RESPONSE TO YOUR ARTICLE - "ARE WE SEEING THE ZUMAFICATION OF SARS?"

19 December 2014

Ms Helen Zille

Democratic Alliance

By Email

Dear Madam

I refer to your publication / newsletter of 16 December 2014 with the title "Are we seeing the Zumafication of SARS?

In your statement, which you distributed and published through various media, including but not limited to your party website, Politicsweb, Business Day etc. you made factually incorrect and false statements relating to me, which are defamatory and have caused me considerable harm and damages. Despite your statements regarding journalists being "post-boxes" and having "no capacity to investigate", you have similarly cut and paste unsubstantiated media reports without requesting comment or verifying the accuracy thereof from me.

Although you may arguably be promoting or instigating the investigation into corruption and illegal activities, it is also quite clear from your publication that you realise that the content thereof may be mere speculation. However, you have in respect of me, not only raised incorrect innuendos which will be taken as fact by readers, but also stated as fact various false statements, which are clearly defamatory in nature.

Whilst I wholeheartedly support your vigorous attempts to have the matter investigated and dealt with in a transparent manner to bring corrupt activities and criminals to book, I would recommend that you ascertain the correct facts prior to drawing your own conclusions and shouting ill-conceived and defamatory falsehoods from rooftops.

I might also mention that I attempted to contact a member of YOUR party at the inception of the matter to seek assistance in reporting the corruption.

Apart from prejudice that I suffered by your publication effectively discrediting me on a political level as well as in the media, these remarks have obviously also resulted in considerable personal prejudice to me and I take exception in the strongest possible terms.

Kindly be aware that I strongly believe in justice and that I am strongly opposed against corruption and unlawful activity.

Please note that should you fail to heed this correspondence and my notification that your statements are factually incorrect, specifically as regards myself, your publication of such and any further factually incorrect and derogatory remarks would not only serve to undermine your credibility but also that of your political party, (especially should a full and transparent investigation be conducted). 

In conclusion, it is sad that when a woman takes a stand and is brave enough to report corruption and criminal activity, she is victimised, defamed and intimidated in a manner which might also be described as being in the vilest and most personal manner.

I reserve my rights fully at this time.

Kind Regards

Belinda Walter

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