Controversial journalist Pretorius fined again
By michael clower 4:11PM 27 SEP 2011
South Africa: Controversial racing journalist Charl Pretorius, fined for an outburst earlier this year, is in trouble again.
Pretorius was fined SAR10,000 (£830) in June for bringing the National Horseracing Authority's name into disrepute after saying on his website that some of their press releases harmed the image of racing.
He added: "A guilty verdict for any individual dragged before the NHA board is as much as a given."
Now Pretorius has been hit for the same amount for accusing Phumelela, operator of half the country's ten racecourses, of being thieves.
He published an article on the now-closed
www.racingweb.co.za
headed "Let's expose Phumelela for the thieves they are".
Pretorius called on the website's readers to send in information and "every bit of dirty washing you have, every document, every non-payment, every filthy trick they've pulled over the last decade to screw the South African racing industry.
"Now is the time to save SA racing from dire incompetence and systematic raping of the industry. Let's make them ashamed of what they've done and what they're doing."
Phumelela complained to the NHA and pointed out that, as aregistered owner, he was subject to NHA rules.
Pretorius, who had expected to be warned off, said on Tuesday: "I was fined R50,000 but I appealed and also rendered an apology. This was accepted, the fine was reduced to ten grand and as far as I am concerned the case is now closed.
"My own website,
www.freeracer.co.za
, is now near to being relaunched but I've had a year in the wilderness and it's been very tough. I won't say that I've learned my lesson because I don't think I ever will!"
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fined for telling the truth..
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04:42pm - 27 Sep 11
evan12evan, Ireland
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