Mangani fails to pay rent, sued

THE Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ) has sued former Deputy Minister of Works and Supply Lameck Mangani for non-payment of rent arrears for his Chipata residence amounting to K37 million.

According to a writ of summons obtained by the Zambia Daily Mail issued by the Chipata High Court and served on Mr Mangani yesterday by Fred Jere and Company, the former Chipata Central member of Parliament has not paid the outstanding amount accruing from 2009.

Mr Mangani has been given a 14-day ultimatum to respond to the suit, from the date of service of the writ of summons.

Details of the claim case number 2011/HJ/18 in the Chipata High Court are that Mr Mangani owes TBZ a total sum of K37 million rent arrears in respect of Plot number 1463 Umodzi Highway, Chipata, which the former minister is occupying.

The statement of claim indicates that the rent arrears have accumulated from K7,450,000 in 2009 to K37 million as at July this year.

The plaintiff has asked the Chipata High Court to order Mr Mangani’s eviction from the house, pay the arrears in full with interest and costs of the action.

The statement of claim also states that the plaintiff, was at all material times a registered and statutory board which runs the tobacco industry in Zambia.

Mr Mangani was at all material times a tenant in the plaintiff’s house situated on Plot 1463 Umodzi Highway, Chipata.

“The defendant has ignored several demands from the plaintiff to settle the outstanding amount and to express interest to renew the lease agreement which expired on December 31, 2010, hence the need for immediate possession of the house,” the statement of claim reads in part.

And investigations by the Zambia Daily Mail have revealed that the house whose rent arrears have totalled K37 million, is currently being occupied by Mr Mangani’s second wife Mary who is a former Catholic nun.
[ Zambia Daily Mail ]