Cape Town DA councillor Dr Sebastian Petersen has retracted allegations he made against National Coloured Congress (NCC) deputy president Larry Varrie. Petersen, who won Ward 55 with 5 598 votes in the local government elections, made the allegations on Facebook on 3 and 4 November 2026. He claimed Varrie and NCC candidates supplied guns on the Cape Flats. Varrie took Petersen to court, seeking a retraction and potentially a 90-day prison sentence. Petersen's retraction came after Varrie filed a contempt of court application.
The dispute reached the Western Cape High Court, with Varrie asking the court to order Petersen to remove the Facebook posts within 12 hours and publish a retraction. Petersen's formal retraction, published on his Facebook account, stated he was withdrawing all statements made about Varrie on 3 and 4 November 2026. However, Varrie insists the case will proceed, despite Petersen's retraction. Varrie had tried to resolve the matter before approaching the court, but Petersen had refused to withdraw his statements and apologise.
Varrie says the dispute is about more than his personal reputation, citing that public figures should be held accountable for allegations made against others. He believes those who seek public office must be held to a higher standard. The case has drawn criticism from the Patriotic Alliance, which has called on the DA to explain what action it intends taking against Petersen. The PA's strategic political adviser, Grant Pascoe, described Petersen's allegations as disgraceful.
The DA has a social media policy, but its metro chairperson, JP Smith, would not discuss its disciplinary proceedings in the media. Smith said Petersen had informed the party of the matter and was currently defending it in court. He added that the NCC had made malicious and defamatory statements against many DA members. The election has been characterised by widely reported defamatory statements and disinformation by various political parties opposing the DA.
Petersen's retraction has been criticised for not including an apology or explanation. Pascoe said Petersen owes Varrie and the public a proper apology. The DA must explain whether Petersen's conduct breached its policy and what action will follow. The matter is expected to be heard in the Western Cape High Court.
The case has raised concerns about the use of social media by public figures. Petersen's allegations were made on Facebook, and his retraction was also published on the platform. The dispute highlights the need for public figures to be mindful of their online statements and the potential consequences of making allegations.
The Western Cape High Court will hear the matter on Tuesday. The court's decision will determine the outcome of the case and potentially set a precedent for how public figures use social media. The case will also have implications for the DA and its handling of social media conduct by its members.
Key points
- The DA councillor's retraction does not end the court fight.
- The dispute highlights concerns about public figures' use of social media.
- The case has implications for the DA's handling of social media conduct.
