Mathae sues Phuti for R1 million a year after Majavu and Peyper letters

Staff Reporter

Bloemfontein – Allegations surrounding the controversial R709 tender have taken a new turn following a R1 million lawsuit launched by Free State Premier Joyce “Pretenders” Mathae against Patrick “The Butcher” Phuti.

The lawsuit, instituted by Advocate Hannes Peyper of Peyper Attorneys, follows public allegations made by Phuti implicating Mathae, her husband or former husband Lawrence Mathae, and Tau Pele Construction (Pty) Ltd.

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STEPUPSANEWS can confirm that Phuti was served with summons on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, nearly two weeks after the ANC Integrity Committee instructed Mathae to lay a criminal charge against him.

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According to court papers seen by this publication, Peyper is demanding R1 million in damages.

The summons states that on or about 13 October 2024, and on various national and international social media and other media platforms, Phuti allegedly claimed that:

3.1 He bribed the Premier to secure a state tender related to a road construction project;

3.2 He paid R1 million to Mathae for distribution to the ANC Women’s League in exchange for preferential treatment; and

3.3 He purchased motor vehicles for Mathae’s then husband as part of the alleged bribe.

In the relief sought, Mathae is demanding:

1. A public apology; and
2. Solatium in the amount of R1,000,000, to be paid by Phuti to a charity organisation of her choosing.

On 11 October 2024, Advocate Zola Majavu of Majavu Attorneys, acting on behalf of the Premier, alongside Peyper Attorneys representing both Joyce and Lawrence Mathae, issued legal letters to Phuti.

Majavu gave Phuti until 16h00 to issue an apology or face legal action, while Peyper warned that continued publication of the allegations could result in criminal charges being laid with the South African Police Service.

Extortion is among the allegations Mathae reportedly raised before the ANC Integrity Committee, chaired by Reverend Frank Chikane. The committee advised her to open a criminal case or abandon the matter, as previously reported by this publication.

However, instead of pursuing criminal charges, Mathae has opted to institute civil proceedings against Phuti.

In 2023, Mathae while Community Safety, Roads and Transport as MEC, met contractors and demanded they plough back.

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