News / National
Dokora dragged to court over debt
17 Nov 2017 at 23:43hrs | Views
A KADOMA businessman has dragged the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to the Bulawayo High Court over a debt of more than $56 000 in unpaid rentals at his building.
Mr Aleck Mapfumo, has through his lawyers, Gundu and Dube Legal Practitioners, filed summons seeking an order compelling the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to pay him $56 000 being arrear rentals for occupying Image Gold Milling and Mining Building in Kadoma.
In papers before the court, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Dr Lazarus Dokora and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Sylvia Utete-Masango, were cited as defendants. The Ministry entered into a lease agreement with Mr Mapfumo in April 2011. In terms of the agreement, the monthly rent was pegged at $3 000 per year.
The Ministry paid its rentals up to December 2012 before defaulting. "In 2013, the defendants would pay rentals erratically and started accruing arrears," said Mr Mapfumo.
He said the Ministry has been breaching the lease agreement, which expired in April 2015. When the Ministry vacated the building it left a debt of $66 000 and only paid $10 000 in December last year.
"The defendants only made payment in the sum of $10 000 in December 2016 leaving a balance of $56 000. The plaintiff's lawyers demanded payment in June 2017 and the Ministry responded by saying it was making arrangements to pay," said Mr Mapfumo.
The property owner said despite demand, the Ministry has neglected, failed or refused to pay the money.
"Despite several demands, the defendants have failed, refused or neglected to pay the outstanding balance of $56 000. Wherefore the plaintiff claims for $56 000 being arrear rentals due with prescribed interest and cost of suits," said Mr Mapfumo in his summons.
The Ministry has not yet filed a notice to enter an appearance to defend the summons.
Mr Aleck Mapfumo, has through his lawyers, Gundu and Dube Legal Practitioners, filed summons seeking an order compelling the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to pay him $56 000 being arrear rentals for occupying Image Gold Milling and Mining Building in Kadoma.
In papers before the court, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Dr Lazarus Dokora and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Sylvia Utete-Masango, were cited as defendants. The Ministry entered into a lease agreement with Mr Mapfumo in April 2011. In terms of the agreement, the monthly rent was pegged at $3 000 per year.
The Ministry paid its rentals up to December 2012 before defaulting. "In 2013, the defendants would pay rentals erratically and started accruing arrears," said Mr Mapfumo.
"The defendants only made payment in the sum of $10 000 in December 2016 leaving a balance of $56 000. The plaintiff's lawyers demanded payment in June 2017 and the Ministry responded by saying it was making arrangements to pay," said Mr Mapfumo.
The property owner said despite demand, the Ministry has neglected, failed or refused to pay the money.
"Despite several demands, the defendants have failed, refused or neglected to pay the outstanding balance of $56 000. Wherefore the plaintiff claims for $56 000 being arrear rentals due with prescribed interest and cost of suits," said Mr Mapfumo in his summons.
The Ministry has not yet filed a notice to enter an appearance to defend the summons.
Source - chroncle
