Bribery claims against Trollip false and baseless, says Selfe

The bribery allegations against Nelson Mandela Bay mayoral candidate Athol Trollip are false and baseless, DA federal council chairman James Selfe said.

He said the claim by Nelson Mandela Bay DA party member Nontuthuzelo Jack that Trollip had offered her money to work with “his faction to dig up dirt” on DA Eastern Cape chairwoman Veliswa Mvenya, had been discussed at a meeting with the DA provincial and national leadership. Trollip has always rejected the allegations. The extended provincial executive committee meeting on Saturday was attended by Selfe and DA leader Mmusi Maimane.

“The investigations by myself into the allegations have been concluded and there was no evidence to substantiate any of them.

“The finding was that the allegations were false and baseless and dismissed,” Selfe said.

Jack said she had not yet received any report to inform her of the outcome. She declined to comment further. While the tense relationship between Trollip – who is also the DA provincial leader – and Mvenya was expected to be thrashed out at Saturday’s meeting, Selfe said it had not been discussed.