Gert Nel Incorporated, a prominent South African law firm, has issued a strong public response to what it describes as a smear campaign orchestrated by the Road Accident Fund (RAF) and its CEO, Collins Letsoalo. The firm, and particularly its managing partner Mr. Gert Nel, claims to have become the target of false and defamatory allegations following their outspoken criticism of the RAF’s handling of road accident claims.
In an open letter addressed to the South African public, Gert Nel Incorporated states that the attack on Mr. Nel stems from his vocal opposition to the unlawful reforms and mismanagement of the RAF, which has been the subject of increasing scrutiny in recent months. Mr. Nel and his firm have previously published articles and spoken out publicly about the RAF’s alleged disregard for the rule of law, as well as the significant harm caused to road crash victims as a result of the Fund’s actions.
According to the firm, rather than addressing the legitimate concerns raised by Mr. Nel regarding the RAF’s operations, CEO Collins Letsoalo and RAF spokesperson Macintosh Pholela have resorted to spreading false accusations of corruption. These claims were reportedly aired through various media outlets, with no substantiated evidence to back them.
The letter emphasizes that despite being given the opportunity to address these issues in a media briefing, Letsoalo and Pholela chose to deflect and launch personal attacks instead, continuing to spread what the firm describes as unproven rhetoric aimed at silencing those who challenge the status quo at the RAF.
In response to the allegations, Gert Nel Incorporated and Mr. Nel have pledged to take legal action to defend their reputation. The firm reassures its clients and the South African public that it remains committed to ensuring justice for road crash victims, vowing to continue exposing what it calls unlawful practices within the RAF.
“We thank the South African public for their ongoing support and assure them that we will not back down,” the letter reads. “We will continue to fight for the rights of road crash victims and hold the RAF accountable for its failure to fulfill its statutory obligations.”
Despite acknowledging the likelihood that the RAF will not publicly apologize for its actions or cease its attacks, Gert Nel Incorporated expresses confidence that the South African public will critically assess the accusations and stand behind the firm’s long-standing commitment to the fight for justice.
The firm calls on the public to consider the facts, test the validity of any further claims made by the RAF, and continue supporting the firm’s efforts to safeguard the rights of road crash victims across the country.
