News / Local
MDC-T MP sued over hotel bill
09 Jul 2012 at 07:18hrs | Views
FORMER Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment Deputy Minister Mr Thamsanqa Mahlangu is being sued for failing to pay a $6 000 hotel bill accrued in 2009.
Mr Mahlangu, a member of MDC-T national executive and legislator for Nkulumane in Bulawayo, stayed at Monomotapa Crown Plaza in Harare on several dates during the period stretching from 10 March, 2009 to 29 September, 2009.
The politician was once taken to court by war veteran Cde Joseph Chinotimba over a stolen cellphone where it emerged that he smuggled two women into a room booked for him at Rainbow Towers Hotel on 17 July, 2009.
African Sun Zimbabwe Limited, which operates Monomotapa Crown Plaza, has filed summons at the High Court claiming $6 803 from the former minister.
Mr Mahlangu admits to staying at the hotel on the various stated dates, but he argues that he was still the deputy minister and that Government should pay the bill.
Government has disowned the bill, saying Mahlangu's hotel bookings in question were personal and had nothing to do with his job as the deputy minister.
In the summons, African Sun stated that Mr Mahlangu stayed at the hotel as a guest and enjoyed the services without paying.
It was stated that he accrued bills in respect of food, beverages, accommodation and other services rendered by the hotel to the tune of $6 803.
"On all occasions, the defendant (Mahlangu) checked in using his name and in his personal capacity," read the summons.
"This position has also been confirmed by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Indigenisation."
Mr Mahlangu's plea filed by his lawyers Artherstone and Cook law firm indicated that the politician checked in at the hotel in his official capacity.
"The defendant accepts that he stayed at the plaintiff's hotel during the three periods reflected in Annexure A to the summons. But he denied that he had checked in in his personal capacity," said the lawyers.
"The defendant pleads that he checked in in his capacity as the Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment and Indigenisation. All the bills were to the ministry's accounts."
Mr Mahlangu urged the court to throw away the claim with costs.
African Sun contends that efforts to get payment from Mr Mahlangu failed, prompting the hospitality firm to institute court proceedings.
"Despite numerous demands, the defendant has failed or neglected to pay $6 803 to the plaintiff and the amount remains due and payable. It also continues to accrue interest at the prescribed rate," said the hotel group.
The parties are now awaiting pre-trial conference at the High Court.
If they fail to reach a consensus during the pretrial conference, the matter would be referred to trial.
Mr Mahlangu, a member of MDC-T national executive and legislator for Nkulumane in Bulawayo, stayed at Monomotapa Crown Plaza in Harare on several dates during the period stretching from 10 March, 2009 to 29 September, 2009.
The politician was once taken to court by war veteran Cde Joseph Chinotimba over a stolen cellphone where it emerged that he smuggled two women into a room booked for him at Rainbow Towers Hotel on 17 July, 2009.
African Sun Zimbabwe Limited, which operates Monomotapa Crown Plaza, has filed summons at the High Court claiming $6 803 from the former minister.
Mr Mahlangu admits to staying at the hotel on the various stated dates, but he argues that he was still the deputy minister and that Government should pay the bill.
Government has disowned the bill, saying Mahlangu's hotel bookings in question were personal and had nothing to do with his job as the deputy minister.
In the summons, African Sun stated that Mr Mahlangu stayed at the hotel as a guest and enjoyed the services without paying.
It was stated that he accrued bills in respect of food, beverages, accommodation and other services rendered by the hotel to the tune of $6 803.
"On all occasions, the defendant (Mahlangu) checked in using his name and in his personal capacity," read the summons.
"This position has also been confirmed by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Indigenisation."
Mr Mahlangu's plea filed by his lawyers Artherstone and Cook law firm indicated that the politician checked in at the hotel in his official capacity.
"The defendant accepts that he stayed at the plaintiff's hotel during the three periods reflected in Annexure A to the summons. But he denied that he had checked in in his personal capacity," said the lawyers.
"The defendant pleads that he checked in in his capacity as the Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment and Indigenisation. All the bills were to the ministry's accounts."
Mr Mahlangu urged the court to throw away the claim with costs.
African Sun contends that efforts to get payment from Mr Mahlangu failed, prompting the hospitality firm to institute court proceedings.
"Despite numerous demands, the defendant has failed or neglected to pay $6 803 to the plaintiff and the amount remains due and payable. It also continues to accrue interest at the prescribed rate," said the hotel group.
The parties are now awaiting pre-trial conference at the High Court.
If they fail to reach a consensus during the pretrial conference, the matter would be referred to trial.
Source - TC
