BY SILAS NKALA
Victoria Falls municipality has approached the High Court seeking an order to evict its former housing director, Lot Syatimbula, from a council house.
Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Martin Makonese reserved judgement after hearing oral submissions from both parties.
In his founding affidavit, council’s town clerk Ronnie Dube submitted that Syatimbula was appointed housing and community services director in 2010 and occupied the property by virtue of his employment.
“The respondent was dismissed from employment on March 31, 2017, resulting in him losing his right for continuous occupation of the aforementioned stand,” Dube submitted.
“The respondent continued the occupation of the property and is enjoying undisturbed occupation of the same at the expense of and prejudice to the applicant.”
Dube said council had been paying bills for water and rates for the house between November 2017 and April 2019.
He said Syatimbula now owed $1 135, 88 for water and $ 1422, 82 for rates.
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“Respondent continues occupying the premises and has been making part payments towards electricity,” Dube added.
“The amount due in respect of electricity is $178,35.
“Applicant continues to suffer financially as they have to pay rentals for its employees yet they have a property that is specifically meant to be occupied by the applicant’s employees.
“Therefore, the applicant is claiming holding over damages of $775 per month from November 2017 up to the date of vacating the premises.”
In response, Syatimbula asked the court to dismiss the application, saying there was already a pending court case where he is challenging his dismissal.
