Malusi Shezi, former CEO of the Construction Education and Training Authority (Ceta), has gone missing, leaving behind a trail of unpaid legal bills. Arena Holdings, owner of the Sunday Times, is seeking over R277,000 in legal costs incurred while defending a defamation lawsuit against the newspaper. Shezi's disappearance has prompted efforts to track him down, including correspondence with his attorneys and visits by the sheriff of the court to his last known address.
Shezi's troubles began when the Johannesburg high court dismissed his application to declare three Sunday Times articles defamatory, ordering him to pay costs. The articles in question scrutinized Ceta's purchase of its R49m headquarters in Midrand, Johannesburg. Shezi had claimed the coverage was false, malicious, and damaged his reputation. However, the Sunday Times maintained that its reporting was accurate, in the public interest, and backed by documentary evidence, including findings by the auditor-general.
The Sunday Times' editor, Makhudu Sefara, has expressed frustration at Shezi's evasion, stating that some individuals use the courts to intimidate the media from investigating their wrongdoing. Sefara urged Shezi to take responsibility for his costs, saying, "We appeal to Mr Shezi to do the right thing." The Sunday Times opposed Shezi's interdict, arguing that its reporting was justified and in the public interest.
Shezi's financial troubles extend beyond the R277,000 owed to the Sunday Times. He also owes approximately R800,000 to Oupa Nkoane, related to his failed court bid to overturn Nkoane's appointment as Ceta administrator. This debt is a result of Shezi's actions as Ceta's accounting officer when the organization was placed under administration in August last year.
Attempts to contact Shezi through his new legal firm, Mahlare Attorneys, have yielded no response. A media enquiry was sent to the firm, but no reply had been received at the time of going to press. The Sunday Times has been left with escalating costs in tracing Shezi, prompting the sheriff to request further instructions.
The case highlights the challenges faced by media organizations in holding individuals accountable for their actions. Sefara noted that some people use the courts to discourage the media from investigating their malfeasance. The Sunday Times remains committed to its investigative reporting, despite the obstacles posed by individuals like Shezi.
The disappearance of Malusi Shezi has raised concerns about accountability and the rule of law. As the search for him continues, the Sunday Times reiterates its appeal for Shezi to take responsibility for his actions and pay his debts. The outcome of this case will have implications for the media and those who seek to silence them through litigation.
Key points
- Malusi Shezi owes R277,000 in legal costs to the Sunday Times
- Shezi also owes R800,000 to Oupa Nkoane related to his failed court bid
- The Sunday Times editor urges Shezi to take responsibility for his costs
Reporting sources
- The Sunday Times · The Sunday Times
