COURT ALLOWS TENANTS TO BREAK INTO MINISTER’S FLATS

NHLANGANO - The two tenants employed by Minister Bongani Nzima have obtained an order to break the padlocks at their rented flats at Mathendele. The order comes after the Minister of Sports Youth and Cultural Affairs locked them out following a dispute over missing funds from his Mobile Money business. The court order, which was issued by Acting Magistrate Sifiso Ngwenya on Friday stated: “The first and second applicants (Xolile and Bongiwe) are authorised to break the padlock which has been installed by the respondent (minister) in the house which they rent at Mathendele and thereafter, remove their items from the rooms they rent.” The court order further stated that the station commander of Nhlangano Police Station or his lawful subordinates are to assist the applicants in the execution of this order.

Effect

The court further ordered the respondent to return the second applicants’ mobile phone. The orders operate with interim effect and the matter is returnable on January 14, 2025. The matter between the minister and the two employees, who are also his tenants, Bongiwe Dlamini and Xolile Dlamini, resulted from the duo being suspected of being responsible for the disappearance of E13 000 from the minister’s Mobile Money business. The minister is said to have gone to the employees to collect rent money and they informed him that there was a discrepancy in the Mobile Money business money and they reportedly requested time to find alternative means to pay him. According to the pair, instead of allowing them time, the minister reportedly demanded immediate payment, stating that they must find the money to pay him. He proceeded to lock both employees out of their flats and allegedly confiscated Xolile’s cellphone.

Left stranded and unable to immediately secure the funds, the employees told this publication they spent the rest of the day attempting to get the necessary amount. As evening approached and rain began to fall, they were forced to seek shelter from a good Samaritan. Further complicating the situation, the employees were unable to contact anyone for assistance as the minister had confiscated Xolile’s cellphone. The minister accused the employees of theft, specifically stating: “I want my money, you stole my money because you want to open your own Mobile Money business and Xolile has started her own Mobile Money business.” To further support his accusation, the minister questioned Xolile about a specific transaction on December 24, 2024, demanding to know the recipient of the funds.The employees, acknowledging the financial discrepancies, pleaded with the minister for a solution. They explained that they were asking for a way out to try and repay him, but it is impossible because their belongings are locked in the flats.

Padlock

The minister remained adamant and insisted that the only way to resolve the situation was for them to immediately pay him the full amount he claimed they owed him. This publication was informed by a source that they were able to execute the court order and the minister’s padlock was welded off. The employees were able to remove their belongings from the flats in the presence of the police. “We have taken out our belongings and have moved without any disturbance to another location which was referred to us by someone whom we told we were desperately looking for accommodation.” She added: “We were told to return to the Nhlangano Magistrates Court tomorrow. However, on Saturday, we received a call from the Nhlangano Police Station that the minister has brought Xolile’s mobile phone and we should come and collect it.”

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