AAG wades into nightclub war

ONE tyre from the vehicle belonging to Cloud Nine Emirates Restaurant and Pub was in a "mindless act of rage" slashed by supposed thug(s), as the ownership wrangle for the establishment rages on.

Sunday News reported that Bulawayo Province police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango could not comment on the matter, saying it had not been reported to the police.

But so dramatic is the dispute that the landlord of the building — Isaac Shoniwa has become incensed by the matter that he has "resolved" to evict Winter Torch Investments (Private) Limited, trading as Cloud 9, which is being run by the principal Indian investor — Uathalil Sasi Samanhraj.

In a document, in possession of Sunday Life, addressed to Cloud Nine, dated 13 April 2016, Shoniwa through his lawyers Mashayamombe and Co. Attorneys, advised the pub that their lease had been terminated with immediate effect and were advised to vacate the premises within 48 hours of receipt of the letter.

Read the letter: "We have been retained with instructions by our above client. Our client advises that you have materially breached the terms of the lease agreement between the parties in that you have failed or neglected to pay rentals due to the landlord for the months of March and April 2016, which amount was payable in advance as prescribed in paragraph 4 of the agreement.

"By reason your failure to adhere to the terms of the agreement our client hereby invokes clause 13.1.1 as read with clause 13.1.3 and hereby cancels the lease agreement and further directs that you restore vacant possession to them by handing over the keys of the premises within 48 hours of receipt of this letter. Our client further exercises a right of retention in respect of all fixtures and fittings and stock in trade within the premises in lieu of arrear rental as well as damages for breach of contract," read part of the letter.

In so doing Shoniwa, warmly referred to as Nyamz resorted to enlisting the services of the Affirmative Action Group Matabeleland Charter (AAG), as he alleges that the pub is in rental arrears.

"I am a member of the AAG and as a member I reported my matter and the organisation are dealing with it. They were given 48 hours to vacate initially by my lawyers who are handling the case," he said.

The AAG in turn, wrote a letter to Cloud Nine advising Cloud 9 to vacate the premises by 11:59 on 21 April, before locking the entrance to the pub with a padlock thereafter.

AAG Matabeleland president Reggie Sibanda confirmed having locked the joint before unlocking it on Thursday evening.