Now Bobroffs hit with R24m defamation suit

ANT KATZ

Five people have launched a defamation suit against personal injury lawyers Ronald and Darren Bobroff” – claiming nearly R24 million in damages, according to Moneyweb this morning.

Included in the five claimants, is Moneyweb contributor Tony Beamish, whose original investigations were instrumental in uncovering the antics of the father and son duo – who fled to Australia last year to avoid prosecution on various charges of fraud, tax evasion and money laundering after they were found to be overcharging road accident victims with claims against the Road Accident Fund.

“From the safety of Australia, they allegedly defame their detractors,” reads the headline of the MONEYWEB STORY published on 6 February 2017.

The other four plaintiffs include Anthony Millar, past president of the Law Society and the lawyer acting for various overcharged Bobroff clients, Millar’s partner Norman Berger. Stephen Bezuidenhout, a former partner of the Bobroffs, and Rael Zimmerman who originally acted as the family’s attorney.

This suit follows several public rants on social media platforms, especially by Darren Bobroff, which targeted these individuals. The Bobroffs also funded a special website that published extremely defamatory statements about all five – and others.

Each applicant is claiming R100 000 for each of the 34 cases of alleged defamation.

• The largest claim comes from Millar who claims R11.9 million, or R100 000 for each of the 119 alleged defamatory statements made about him;
• The second largest claim is by Zimmerman for R5.5 million;
• Beamish’s claim is for R3.4 million;
• Their ex-partner Bezuidenhout wants R1.6 million; and
• Millar’s partner Berger is suing for R1.5 million.

Full story on Moneyweb.co.za

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