Activist Ordered to Remove Defamatory Social Media Content Against Bus Company

A Free State High Court judge, Andre Berry, has instructed “public transport activist” Zwelakhe Joseph Msabe to take down 55 defamatory posts about Itumele Bus Lines on social media. The company, which trades as Interstate Bus Lines, had its reputation tarnished due to these accusations.

These posts, which appeared between May last year and February this year, falsely accused the company of instituting unlawful tariff hikes and held it responsible for a deadly accident due to worn-out tyres. Msabe, representing himself, claimed his statements were in the interest of Mangaung residents' rights. However, Judge Berry pointed out the untruth of these declarations, stating that pursuing public interest does not justify making false statements.

The bus company has been operating since 1975, serves 46,000 passengers daily, employs 630 staff, and runs an average of 230 buses daily. The rates for commuters are set by a passenger focus forum and approved by the Free State Department of Police, Roads and Transport, which also subsidizes the fares to make them more affordable for commuters.

The judge granted the interdict, ordering the offending posts' removal and directing Msabe to cover the company's legal costs. He highlighted that the interdict would not stop Msabe from making statements that are in public interest, but it would prevent him from making false accusations.