Bongani Ndlovu
Peter Matika, Zimpapers Writer
CONTROVERSIAL fitness trainer and self-proclaimed martial arts instructor Tendai Maduwa is facing eviction from a Famona property after his landlord approached the Magistrates Court seeking an order terminating a verbal lease agreement and recovering US$3 200 in alleged outstanding rentals.
According to summons filed at the Bulawayo Magistrates Court, the plaintiff is also seeking Maduwa’s eviction from the property in Famona, as well as holding-over damages of US$1 900 per month from September 25 until the date of eviction.
The summons states that the parties entered into a verbal lease agreement in May this year covering a cottage and the main house at the property.
The landlord alleges that Maduwa took occupation of the cottage in May and the main house in June, and initially paid the agreed security deposit and first month’s rentals.
However, the plaintiff alleges that Maduwa subsequently fell into arrears, owing US$1 200 for the cottage and US$2 000 for the main house.
The summons states that repeated demands for payment were allegedly unsuccessful, resulting in cancellation of the verbal lease agreement and a demand for Maduwa to vacate the property.
Maduwa is required to enter an appearance to defend the matter within seven days of being served with the summons.
The matter was filed at the Bulawayo Magistrates Court, with Mathonsi Ncube Law Chambers representing the plaintiff.
Maduwa is no stranger to controversy, as he was recently hauled before the courts on charges of assault.
The charges stem from an altercation which occurred on August 21 along Fife Street near the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) building, where Maduwa allegedly clashed with two TTI parking marshals after his vehicle was clamped.
According to the State, Maduwa was preparing to enter a parking bay when one of the parking marshals allegedly knocked on his vehicle window and informed him that the vehicle had been clamped for obstructing traffic.
Maduwa allegedly disputed the decision, arguing that his vehicle was still moving and that he had indicated his intention to enter the parking bay.
The disagreement subsequently escalated into a physical confrontation which was captured on video and later circulated widely on social media.
In the video, Maduwa is seen confronting the two parking marshals before allegedly grabbing and slapping them during the heated exchange.
The incident sparked widespread debate on social media, with members of the public weighing in on the conduct of both Maduwa and the parking marshals.
Following the confrontation, Maduwa initially indicated that the matter had been resolved amicably at the scene.
In a statement issued after the incident, he claimed that three TTI supervisors had intervened and apologised for what he described as the arrogant conduct of their employees.
He also offered to conduct free public relations training sessions for TTI employees.
However, the matter took a different turn after the two parking marshals allegedly lodged a criminal complaint with the police.
Police subsequently arrested Maduwa on August 22, resulting in his appearance before the Bulawayo Magistrates Court.
The matter is yet to go to trial.
More to follow…
Online Reporter