MBABANE – A local businessman has told the court he was forced to pay E250 000 to silence a man who accused him of having an affair with his wife.
Ndlovu, a witness in an ongoing divorce case, testified before Magistrate Xolile Nxumalo that he was extorted by Andrew Matsenjwa after being accused of being romantically involved with Matsenjwa’s wife. He said the payments were made to protect his public image after facing threats from Matsenjwa.
The court heard that Matsenjwa’s wife, who is at the centre of the divorce proceedings, disputed the adultery allegations and instead accused Ndlovu of sexually assaulting her while she worked under him. Ndlovu denied both the affair and assault allegations.
Ndlovu admitted receiving nude photographs from the woman in 2014. He claimed the pictures were first sent to him by mistake but she later resent them when he asked. He said after this incident, Matsenjwa started sending threatening messages and demanded financial compensation.
According to Ndlovu, the first payment was made in cash, followed by five monthly deposits of E50 000 each, totalling E250 000. He told the court the money was paid out of fear his reputation would be destroyed by the accusations.
Matsenjwa’s legal representative dismissed the claims as false and questioned why Ndlovu would pay such a large amount while denying any wrongdoing. The lawyer also alleged that the account where the money was deposited belonged to Matsenjwa’s wife, suggesting it was payment for an affair.
The case returns to court on August 21.
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