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(HERALD ZW) Ex-MDC-T deputy minister fails to settle US$7 000 hotel bill

Ex-MDC-T deputy minister fails to settle US$7 000 hotel bill
Monday, 09 July 2012 18:20
Daniel Nemukuyu
Senior Court Reporter

FORMER Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment Deputy Minister Thamsanqa Mahlangu is being sued for failing to pay a US$7 000 hotel bill accrued in 2009. Mahlangu, a member of the MDC-T national executive member and legislator for Nkulumane in Bulawayo, stayed at Monomotapa Crown Plaza in Harare on several dates during the period stretching from March 10, 2009 to September 29, 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 July 17, 2009.

African Sun Zimbabwe Limited, which operates Monomotapa Crown Plaza, has filed summons at the High Court claiming US$6 803 from the former minister.

Mahlangu admits staying at the hotel on the various stated dates, but argues that he was still 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 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 US$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 Indigeni-sation.”

Mahlangu’s plea filed by his lawyers Arther-stone 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.”
Mahlangu urged the court to throw away the claim with costs.

African Sun contends that efforts to get payment from Mahlangu failed, prompting the hospitality firm to institute court proceedings.

“Despite numerous demands, the defendant has failed or neglected to pay US$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 pre-trial conference, the matter will be referred to trial.

Labels: MDC CORRUPTION

posted by MrK @ 3:49 PM