Municipality Employee Files Crimen Injuria Case Against Ward Councillor Over Alleged Defamation

An employee of the Matatiele Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape has lodged a criminal case against Ward 19 Councillor Shereen Booth, alleging defamation and verbal abuse. Sanele Ndevu, the Municipal Chief Inspector, has accused Booth of insulting him and undermining his professional role.

According to Ndevu, the incident occurred on August 8 during a meeting about the town’s street rehabilitation project. Ndevu, seeking information about the attendance of other Public Service Committee (PSC) members, faced hostility from Booth. He alleges that Booth responded with hostility, including derogatory comments and accusations of corruption during the meeting. In his complaint, Ndevu quoted Booth as saying, “Who do you think you are? You are calling shots? She said she already complained about me and reported me, she is not scared of me,” adding that Booth accused him of corruption.

The tension between Ndevu and Booth reportedly began when Booth attempted to influence the hiring of a Community Liaison Officer (CLO) for the street lighting project. Ndevu claims Booth tried to replace the intern with her preferred candidate, who did not meet the project’s requirements. Ndevu also alleges that Booth’s actions, including the cancellation of interviews for the position, were both unprofessional and unjustified.

Ndevu expressed that Booth’s interference and alleged bullying have significantly impacted his work and emotional well-being. He stated, “I will not tolerate or entertain Booth’s bullying tactics any more if the matter is not attended to.”

Cllr Booth has responded by stating she is unaware of the specifics of the complaint but promised to provide further details. However, she has yet to follow up on this commitment despite multiple phone inquiries.

The police have confirmed that a case of Crimen Injuria, a criminal charge for defamation, is currently under investigation.