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Cape Town - Independent newspapers has slammed a story by
investigative magazine Noseweek claiming the newspaper struck an underhanded
deal with Auction Alliance, it was reported on Thursday.
In the Cape Times, Independent editor-in-chief Chris
Whitfield said a supposed deal made regarding the publication of information on
auction kickbacks was "absolute scurrilous journalism" and
"fevered imaginings made into print".
The Noseweek article claimed the two companies made a
hurried deal to ensure both companies' dirty laundry was not aired.
It claimed Auction Alliance boss Rael Levitt had a
"trump card" - information that newspaper bosses had negotiated a
kickback of more than R1m from him on the sale of two Cape Town buildings about
a year ago.
It also alleged that the editorial team and lawyers had
"evidence" of kickbacks paid to a prominent liquidator.
Earlier this year, Independent Newspapers exposed a
money-making racket involving bank officials, liquidators and attorneys paid by
the auction company to push business its way.
Independent denied the latest allegations.
According to the report, Whitfield said Noseweek had not attempted to check any facts with him.
