Chimbetu in court for failing to pay a debt

ORCHESTRA Dendera Kings frontman Suluman Chimbetu has been taken to the High Court for allegedly failing to pay back US$24 000 borrowed from a local travel agency to buy air tickets for the band's United Kingdom tour last year.

Traverze (Pvt) Ltd, through its lawyers Chikumbirike and Associates has filed a law suit claiming US$24 211 from the band and its leader with interest.

Chibune and Associates have since filed an appearance to defend on behalf of Orchestra Dendera Kings.

In the summons, Traverze claims Chimbetu â€" on behalf of the band approached the travel agent â€" seeking a credit facility wherein they requested to be advanced air tickets for their UK tour.

The parties allegedly agreed that the band would pay back as soon as it returned from the UK visit.

Suluman then provided a list of the band members who needed air fares to the managing director of Traverze and the company released US$24 211 for the purchase of the tickets.

The tickets were collected by Suluman and they travelled abroad.

After the tour, the band members never visited Traverze offices and did not pay back.

Despite demand, the band did not honour the debt.

The band has since filed an appearance to defend the case as well as a request for further particulars to the claim.

The band wants to know whether the loan was extended in cash or through bank transfer.

They also requested an explanation on whether Suluman or the band acknowledged receipt of the money and documentary proof thereof.

Orchestra Dendera Kings also seeks to know whether the request for cash was made verbally or in writing. The parties now await a pre-trial conference at the High Court.