The Sunday News
STRUGGLING financial institution, Metbank has been dragged to the courts by a local transport company — Berts Transport — after failing to avail more than $20 000 deposited with the bank more than a year ago.
According to an affidavit deposed last week at the Bulawayo High Court by Bertis Transport managing director, Mr Edsel Levendale, the company noted that Metbank failed to honour and pay out the transporting company their money for a period spanning from February last year up to date.
“Bertis Transport initially lodged summons claiming $21 918,81 and also claims a refund of $145 deducted from its bank account, 0306071213315 and any other ancillary relief. I confirm and verify the cause of action and the amounts claimed therein,” said Mr Levendale.
Furthermore, Mr Levendale said the bank’s appearance claim to defend their claim has been noted by the bank solely for the purposes of delay as there is documentary proof produced by Metbank showing that they owed Bertis Transport in excess of $20 000.
“The applicant bank’s statement issued by the respondent for the period from 1 September 2013 to 30 November 2013, the period from 30 December 2013 to 6 February and the period from 6 February 2014 to 20 August 2014 show that that there is sufficient money to meet demands of the applicant,” said Mr Levendale.
“From the foregoing Metbank is patently and lawfully indebted to the applicant as claimed in the summons. With respect this matter calls for punitive order as to costs as Metbank has conducted itself in a perverse manner by noting an appearance to defend in a matter where it does not have a defence.
“The defendant is guilty of abuse of process which calls for censure by this honourable court as the applicant has been made to use money out of his pocket to continue with court proceedings.”
The court application by Bertis Transport is before a High Court judge and a ruling is expected next month.
Metbank has been cited as one of the banks that is facing challenges due to lack of capitalisation and increase in non-performing loans.
Meanwhile, depositors with AfrAsia have besieged the bank to withdraw their earnings. On Friday scores of people spent the night outside the bank.
According to reports AfrAsia allows a maximum withdrawal of $50.
