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Justice Hlatshwayo said ideally, reconnection should not be ordered by the court, but Econet should exercise corporate responsibility.
The two parties made a draft consent order in which Econet agreed to reconnect NetOne.
They also agreed that with effect from September 1, they would carry on business in terms of the 2004 agreement and conditions set by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe.
ECONET
They also agreed that neither party’s right to enforce any previous agreements would be affected or compromised by any provisions of the order.
Econet will file its heads of argument within seven days and the court will set a date for the hearing.
Adv Girach complained that NetOne had not approached his clients to make a proposal as the matter revolved around payment of debt.
“They want to utilise services without payment, they have talked about everything else except the issue of payment,” he said.
“TelOne is in the same position, but they have come up with a payment plan.”
Adv Girach said although NetOne acknowledged its indebtess, it did not want to negotiate a payment plan.
“If you want to engage in commerce you must pay for what you get,” he said.
“Tell us how you are going to pay, it is not a bullying tactic to say pay me my money.”
But Adv Goba said disconnecting NetOne typifies the arrogance of Econet.
“Their behaviour typifies that of a bull in a China shop,” he said.
Adv Goba said Econet’s behaviour was abusive.
He said Econet’s behaviour was reckless and inconsistent with its corporate responsibility.
Econet says NetOne owes US$19 246 322 06, while NetOne disputes the figure.
Online Reporter
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