Muni opens up on case
Even though a resident won a case against the Polokwane Municipality in the Pretoria high court in May, he is no closer to receiving the R200 000 compensation than when he first started his court battle against the municipality in 2011.
POLOKWANE – Even though a resident won a case against the Polokwane Municipality in the Pretoria high court in May, he is no closer to receiving the R200 000 compensation than when he first started his court battle against the municipality in 2011.
Jacobus Snelling was injured in 2011 when he fell on a pavement in Landdros Maré Street.
When he fell, his foot became stuck in a hole in the paving. As he tried to stop his fall, he also injured his hand.
According to municipal spokesperson, Tidimalo Chuene, the municipality’s legal department stated that according to them, it should be noted that the matter was not tried in a court of law, but was settled on the common ground of wanting to settle by both parties.
“The matter was not heard on merits, hence we reached a settlement agreement which was made an order of court,” Chuene said.
Chuene said the municipality communicated with the plaintiff’s representative that the payment would be effected in the new financial year, which started in July and the process was in motion.
Asked how many cases were opened against the municipality and how much money had been payed by the municipality on claims made against then, Chuene said the information requested related to the whole year and as such, more time was needed to collect all the figures.
However, Chuene said claims could be laid against the municipality if residents had supporting documentation that included photos. She said all claims could be lodged at the municipality.
