THE defamation action brought by Dr Michael Sutcliffe against the eThekwini City Manager, Mr Sibusiso Sithole and eThekwini Municipality has been settled.
The defamation action arose from a statement made by Mr Sithole in response to a question, to the effect that the City would look into recovering R1.1 million from Dr Sutcliffe. The defendants have accepted that this statement may have created an impression that the Council of the Municipality had resolved as stated.
The defendants have confirmed that no such resolution had been taken by the Council and have unreservedly withdrawn that statement. In addition, they have agreed to pay the legal costs of Dr Sutcliffe on a party and party scale.
All the parties agreed that it was in the interests of all concerned to conclude this matter.
