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Mashudu Netsianda Senior Court Reporter
THE Bulawayo City Council is suing Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), Montrose Studios for more than $27,000 after the public broadcaster allegedly failed to pay rates over four years. According to the summons issued at the Bulawayo High Court, ZBC Montrose was cited as the defendant while the city council is the plaintiff.

Summons filed by the council through Majoko and Majoko Legal Practitioners read: “Payment in the sum of $27,130,89 arising from rates arrears which charges are levied by plaintiff on account number 75651605 held by defendant in respect of defendant’s immovable property situated at Number 68 Enstone Road, Montrose in Bulawayo which arrears were accumulated between September, 2010 and September, 2014, which amount defendant has failed to pay despite demand to do so by plaintiff.”

In the court papers, Bulawayo City Council indicated that despite demanding the payment, the State broadcaster has refused, failed or neglected to pay the amount.

The city council is also claiming interest at the prescribed rate of six percent per annum from the date of service of summons to date of full payment and the cost of suit.

The case is still pending in court as ZBC through its lawyers Cheda and Partners Legal Practitioners has entered an appearance to defend itself against the council’s summons.

Dates for the civil matter between the local authority and ZBC are yet to be given.

The local authority has since last year been engaging in legal battles with several defaulting individuals and companies over unpaid bills.

In August last year, the city council issued summons against Econet Wireless over a debt of $48,774,31. Council filed summons at the Bulawayo High Court demanding payment of rates from Econet for January 2012 to June 2014.