Cape Town – Standard Bank has apologised for initially stating that a proof of payment for legal fees provided by EFF (Economic Freedom Fighters) lawyers to AfriForum was fraudulent.
AfriForum had accused EFF and Ian Levitt Attorneys of falsifying the proof of payment, IOL reported.
However, Standard Bank clarified that the documentation, while on an outdated template, reflected genuine transactions and was not fraudulent.
“Standards Bank confirms that the documentation circulating in the media whilst on an outdated template, reflects genuine transactions which are not fraudulent,” the bank said.
“Standard Bank denies having confirmed that any proofs of payment in relation to transactions were doctored,” Standard Bank spokesperson Ross Linstrom as saying on Saturday.
🚨Standard Bank Apologises to the mighty EFF🚨
“We are investigating the inaccurate communication and will be engaging AfriForum to gain clarity on the circumstances that led to the error.
We take this matter very seriously and apologise to the EFF”Link https://t.co/QWbR98UIl1 pic.twitter.com/aqVSW7kV5Z
— Andi Motsepe (@AndiswaMadikazi) November 10, 2023
He added: “We take this matter very seriously and apologise to the EFF. Save for confirming that all the transactions queried by AfriForum with Standard Bank are genuine.”
The bank acknowledged an erroneous response to AfriForum and is investigating the inaccurate communication.
According to Times Live, the EFF is considering legal action against AfriForum for the false accusation.
“To include insinuations of my law firm being involved in doctoring documents has taken personal fights between our clients and AfriForum to a new level. AfriForum will pay heavily for this misinformation they are peddling on social media,” EFF lawyer Ian Levitt said, as per the report.
The report said that AfriForum plans further investigations despite Standard Bank confirming the transactions as genuine.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
