Bus firm to pay MSU US$18 000

the university was claiming US$80 000 for two second-hand buses that were not delivered in 2008.
MSU paid Z$550 billion to the firm to buy two second hand buses, three years ago, but the buses were never delivered.

While the US$80 000 lawsuit was awaiting hearing at the High Court, the two parties reached an out-of-court settlement with Tenda agreeing to pay US$18 000.
The settlement has since been registered with the High Court.

“Parties hereby agree to settle the dispute in this manner: that the defendant (Tenda Buses) shall pay US$18 000 to the plaintiff.
“The money shall be liquidated by way of three monthly installments with effect from end of February 2011 until the final payment.

“Payment will be done through plaintiff’s lawyers Dzimba Jaravaza and Associates,” part of the document read.
Harare lawyer Mr Dumisani Kufaruwenga of Dzimba Jaravaza and Associates appeared for MSU. According to the summons issued at the High Court prior to the settlement, the university indicated that it paid Z$550 billion to Tenda for the purchase of two second-hand buses – a 65-seater and a 75-seater.

Since 2008, the buses had not been delivered prompting the institution to issue summons.
MSU argued that US$80 000 was the equivalent value for the Z$550 billion paid for the two buses in 2008.
Judge President George Chiweshe convened a pre-trial conference and referred the matter to trial after hearing both parties. MSU says it got information that Tenda was selling three buses.

University officials went to the bus company’s premises and were shown the vehicles on offer.
A few days later MSU agreed to pay Z$350 billion for the 75-seater bus and Z$200 billion for the 65-seater.

A deadline for payment was set and the money, according to the said agreement, was to be deposited in a CBZ Bank account. The deal was finalised at Tenda offices in Mutare.
MSU claims it deposited the money within the given time frame, but Tenda failed to deliver the buses.
Efforts to get the buses were fruitless, resulting in the institution instructing its lawyers to issue summons.