David Tlale to pay R500K for ‘dodging rent’ – report

Well-known and internationally acclaimed fashion designer David Tlale has reportedly lost a lawsuit related to nearly two years in unpaid rent for a clothing and design store.

Sunday World reports the star was successfully sued from last month by Olitzki Property Holdings in the High Court in Johannesburg for more than 21 months in outstanding rent after Tlale allegedly only paid the deposit.

Court papers seen by the tabloid detail that Tlale owes R301 000 in rent, plus interest, plus legal costs, which could see his debt ballooning to half a million rand.

The shop in question is no longer even open and the company was concerned he had absconded with their rent money.

Tlale, however, told the tabloid it was all a “misunderstanding” and he had been paying his rent religiously. He suggested the landlords may have just missed his payments somehow. “There’s someone who is not doing their proper reconciliation,” he was quoted as saying.

He told the tabloid he had plans to reopen the store in question after his “renovations” were complete. Tlale also claimed not to be aware of any lawsuit despite the fact that the court has reportedly made an order against him.