Centlec wins lawsuit over electricity debt

Staff reporter

Bloemfontein – The Mangaung Metro-based power utility, Centlec has won a lawsuit against a farmer whose name is withheld.

This follows a lengthy case that dates back to 2016 and the farm owner approached the seeking an order declaring that he is not indebted to Centlec for payment of an amount of R3 748 442.21 or any amount in terms of Centlec on the basis that the debt was extinguished by prescription as intended in section 10(1) of the Prescription Act, 68 of 1969. The applicant further seeks costs against the power utility.

Centlec opposed the application and brought a counter-claim in the amount of R2 616 960.35, plus interest at the prescribed rate of 11,25% per annum, being the clearance figures declared and issued by the first respondent on 10 December 2020 following the applicant’s request to Centlec; alternatively to declare the applicant contractually bound or liable to pay the outstanding account, currently or previously held by him with Centlec as per the clearance figure issued to him by the first respondent on 10 December 2020.

Judge Mthimunye made the following order:

l make the following Order:

1. The application is dismissed with costs.
2. The first respondent’s counter-claim for clearance figures in the
   amount of R2 616 960.35, plus interest at the prescribed rate of 11,25% per annum is upheld.
3. The applicant is ordered to pay the costs of the counterclaim.

Centlec did switch off power in government buildings till payment of over R90 million was processed.

Lele Mamatu, spokesperson for Centlec said the power utility is owed R680 million by Free State Provincial Government and R140 million by Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality as of 31 December 2023.

Can Centlec switch off power at the Municipality and just like traffic officers expounding cars, can they do the same at Kaizer Sebothelo House where cars block the road?

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