"He cannot avoid public scrutiny, especially when his financial conduct is suspect," forum secretary Sello Mogadiri said.

He criticised Mahumapelo for taking the business forum to court in his personal capacity.

"The premier cannot change roles when it suits him. During the day he's a premier, at night a businessman and in court a private citizen. We are talking about his conduct as a premier."

Mahumapelo filed papers in the High Court in Pretoria this week. He wanted the forum to stop defaming his character. The group, which had written a song about him, threatened him with violence and was inciting others to do the same, he says in his papers.

The forum had been campaigning for him to be removed as premier of the platinum-rich province. It claimed he was overseeing corruption in its municipalities.

Mogadiri said the forum had no issue with Mahumapelo's conduct as a private citizen. He denied claims that Mahumapelo's life was under threat.

"We cannot incite violence against the premier. That's a criminal issue and he must take it to the police station," Mogadiri told News24.

He said Mahumapelo should subject himself to a lifestyle audit.

The matter would be heard on March 14.

-News24.com