Defamation case: ALS Paramedics takes KZN Transport MEC Duma to high court

The ongoing feud between KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, and ALS Paramedics has escalated into a high-stakes legal battle  which is now before the Pietermaritzburg High Court.

The legal spat follows an urgent application by ALS Paramedics seeking an interim interdict to ban MEC Duma from making what they term “unlawful and defamatory” comments regarding their operations. This came after comments made by Duma at a fatal accident scene near Isipingo a few weeks ago.

In a scathing response following the court proceedings, the MEC’s spokesperson, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, welcomed the court’s refusal to grant the urgent interdict, describing the move by ALS Paramedics as “frivolous”.

The department’s legal team, led by Advocate Kwazi Mshengu, argued that the MEC was simply exercising his duty to ensure transparency and accuracy in road safety reporting.

Sibiya said the refusal by the judge to grant an urgent interdict demonstrateS that the department's legal team had made a strong legal argument.

However, the law firm acting for ALS Paramedics, WJ Rogers and Associates, presented a starkly different interpretation of the day’s events. They clarified that while the urgent interim ban was not immediately signed off, the court did not dismiss their application as requested by the MEC’s team.

“The MEC’s legal team arrived at court and applied to have the application dismissed. They failed to have our application dismissed, the court found that there was defamation evident in the allegations,” said Wesley J. Rogers.

According to Rogers, the court has placed the MEC “on terms” to supplement his papers and provide reasons by May 4, 2026, as to why he should not be interdicted.

The paramedics service expressed disappointment that the MEC chose to fight the matter using state resources rather than retracting his statements.

"The MEC’s office is funding his defence at taxpayers' cost. We would have hoped the MEC would have demonstrated some accountability instead of doubling down at taxpayers' expense, allowing him to focus his attention on the ongoing carnage on our roads," Rogers added.

However the department’s statement said Duma “will not shy away from confronting the wrongs” in the interest of the people of KwaZulu-Natal.

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