Russian mining magnate Lyudmila Roytblat has hit back after FNB decided to close her bank accounts with her lawyers warning that if it is connected to the Ukraine invasion, it is 'discriminatory and in breach of the Constitution'.

Mabuza Attorneys have noted that ‘no valid or clear reasons have been given for the threatened account closures, save for the vague reference to alleged “associated reputational and business risks”, whatever that means’.

In their letter to FNB CEO Jacques Celliers, they warn that FNB has until today to give detailed and valid reasons for the closures, justify its breach of Roytblat’s constitutional rights and withdraw the termination notices with immediate effect.

Failing this, ‘our clients will have no option but to approach the High Court on an urgent basis to protect their violated rights, without any further notice to you’.

City Press reports that FNB last week warned Roytblat that she had until 10 April to close her personal account and until 9 May to close the accounts of her two companies, Transasia Minerals and Transasia Minerals SA.

Roytblat last week hired Hammond-Smith Attorneys to contact FNB on her behalf.

‘Our client is an Australian citizen, holds a business visa in SA and works under a contract held in the RSA,’ said the lawyers.

Full City Press report