Vuwa, Machipisa in Court over houses wrangle
Former Malawi Minister of Information and Civic Education Vuwa Kaunda has been dragged to court by a Rumphi-based businessperson Martin Machipisa Munthali for allegedly failing to pay a debt.
According to a statement of claim filed in the Mzuzu First Grade Magistrate Court, sourced by The Nation, Munthali claims to have sold three houses at K1 650 000 (about $4 714) each which sum up to K4 950 000 (about $14 142), but Kaunda only paid K3million (about $8 571).
However, Kaunda through lawyer George Kadzipatike has challenged Munthali’s claims, arguing he does not owe Munthali the said amount.
“The defendant only paid K3 million from the total of K 4 950 000, hence, the balance of K1 950 000 (about $5 571).
“The plaintiff claims money amounting to K1 950 000 with interest and legal costs of this action amounting to MK100 000 (about $285),” reads the statement.
Kaunda in a defence statement filed in the same court denies ever owing Munthali the money.
“The defendant further states there is sale agreement for the alleged sale transaction to be shown at trial indicating that the defendant paid the total purchase price of the three houses.
“Save as herein before expressly admitted, the defendant denies every allegation contained in the plaintiff’s statement of claim as if the same were set out and traversed seriatim and prays that the plaintiff’s claim be dismissed with costs,” reads Kaunda’s defence statement.
A sale agreement made on May 21 2005 by the two and sourced by The Nation indicates that the houses were sold at K3 million. The payment was made through, bank cheque.
The agreement was signed by Martin Machipisa Munthali and witnessed by Ben Machipisa Munthali and the document was stamped by commissioner of oaths Kiphet Rodney Kalasa who prepared the agreement.
