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‘I Was Emotionally Destroyed’: Former Employee Takes Mathews Phosa to Court Over Alleged Abuse and Intimidation

Published

2 months ago

August 8, 2025

Chiraag

Mathews Phosa, Jan Venter, R25 million lawsuit, harassment allegations, North Gauteng High Court, South African political scandal, legal intimidation, smear campaign, Joburg ETC

A R25 million showdown over power, trust, and betrayal is brewing in the Pretoria High Court

In a case that has stunned both legal and political circles, a former employee of Dr Mathews Phosa, a heavyweight in South Africa’s legal and political landscape, is accusing him of a campaign of harassment, intimidation, and defamation. Jan Hendrik Stephanus Venter is seeking R25 million in damages for emotional trauma, reputational destruction, and ongoing psychological harm.

The matter is set to be heard next Tuesday in the Pretoria High Court, and it reads like something out of a political thriller.

Alleged bathroom humiliation and betrayal

In court papers, Venter recounts a disturbing incident that he says set the tone for what would follow. He claims that before a legal meeting at attorney Ulrich Roux’s offices, he was taken into a bathroom and forced to strip naked, under the suspicion that he might be wearing a recording device.

“I was in tears, traumatised, and emotionally destroyed,” Venter said in his affidavit, adding that Mr Roux and others saw his shaken state afterward.

The scene, according to Venter, was just the start of a broader pattern of abuse and manipulation that left his life in ruins.

Media manipulation and false portrayals

Venter alleges that Phosa orchestrated a smear campaign in the media, portraying him as a “secret weapon” in Phosa’s legal battles, a claim Venter describes as false and malicious. He insists that such a narrative could only have come from Phosa himself, as Venter was incarcerated at the time and had no access to media or communication.

This alleged media stunt, Venter says, was part of a wider effort to destroy his credibility and silence him from speaking out.

A fall from stability to survival

Venter’s affidavit paints a dire picture of his current reality. He claims he has lost all income, assets, and housing, with his mental health in sharp decline. He describes suffering from depression, panic attacks, and anxiety as a result of the continued threats and surveillance he believes he is under.

The legal action includes not just Phosa but also a third respondent, whom Venter accuses of persistent threats, intimidation, and covert surveillance. He believes this behaviour should be investigated criminally by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

A call for accountability

The damages claim includes a request for R25 million, along with interim relief of R500,000 to cover immediate needs like food, transport, and medical support. Venter argues that the psychological and reputational harm he has endured is irreversible.

Despite the severity of the claims, Phosa has publicly denied being served with court papers. Speaking to IOL, he said, “If a person intends to litigate, they must ensure we receive the summons first. We know he is currently in jail… so it is difficult to respond to something we don’t know.”

The upcoming court date is expected to bring intense public interest, not just for the high-profile names involved but for what it may reveal about power dynamics, influence, and alleged abuse within elite legal and political spheres.

Public reaction and what’s at stake

While Phosa has yet to formally respond in court, the case has begun making waves in legal and political circles online. Early social media commentary shows a split between those who see Venter as a victim of unchecked influence and others questioning the credibility of someone already serving time.

But beyond public opinion, the facts remain stark: this is a man claiming to have lost everything, including his dignity, safety, and sanity, and he’s calling on South Africa’s justice system to do something about it.

If Venter’s claims are upheld, the case could raise difficult questions about the misuse of legal power and the fine line between loyalty and exploitation in high-stakes professional relationships.