According to yesterday’s Sunday Times, the security guard, who earns R2,500 a month, said: “Yes, I was offered R20,000 by Geffen’s lawyer, who said if I accept the money then I must drop the case. I agreed. I earn very little.”

The case arose last December when the security guard, Nkosinathi Khumalo, 33, filed a complaint against Geffen for calling him a "f*****g k****r ". Police confirmed at the time that they were investigating a case of crimen injuria against Geffen following the complaint.

The Enforce Security Services guard said he had asked Geffen, who arrived at the gym in his Porsche, not to park his car in a certain spot. "They are renovating the parking area. He refused to listen and still parked in that spot," said Khumalo.

"When he got out of his car, he started swearing and said, 'You mustn't tell me where to park, you f*****g k****r.'" Khumalo said he tried to reason with Geffen, but was met with further expletives. The guard then reported the matter to the gym's management.

Other gym members who had witnessed the commotion encouraged him to report the matter to the police. "They said I can't allow someone to speak to me like that," he said.

Geffen subsequently rubbished the claim and threatened to sue for defamation of character. He said he was "horrified" by the accusation and that the charge had been " maliciously and falsely raised. I cannot understand how such an accusation can be levelled against me ..." said Geffen in December.

He said he would take legal action against the gym, security company and security guard by suing for "unlawful prosecution and defamation of character".

Read our December 2009 story: “Horrified” Lew Geffen denies racism claims, says he will sue for defamation

On 6 Sept 2009 Lew Geffen’s 35-year-old son and partner, Barak, died after reportedly taking an overdose of drugs at his father’s Joburg home. Barak Geffen dies