Durban city manager Mike Sutcliffe has hired a private investigator to find the source of defamatory emails about him, the Mercury newspaper reported on Wednesday.

Julian Kasaval, who runs Forensic Audit and Analysis, told the Mercury he was investigating the origins of the emails circulating last September.

Kasaval said he had been hired by Linda Mazibuko, who deals with legal matters in the Durban city council.

"I have met with Dr Sutcliffe and received certain documents which will help us in the investigation. As far as we are concerned, our client is Linda Mazibuko, acting on behalf of Dr Sutcliffe," Kasaval was quoted by the paper as saying.

The defamatory messages were circulated to several people, including Democratic Alliance caucus leader Tex Collins. They allegedly included details of tender irregularities and Sutcliffe's personal life.

Police spokesperson Superintendent Vincent Mdunge said Sutcliffe had opened a crimen injuria case.

Sutcliffe was not immediately available to comment.

Sapa

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