Fraud case against farm managers withdrawn
The case of fraud against the three senior managers of Zebediela Citrus, about 30km outside of Mokopane, was withdrawn after the dispute was settled outside of the Polokwane High Court on 21 January
MOKOPANE – Hawks Spokesperson, Lt Robert Netshiunda, told Bosveld in December:
“The three suspects were arrested for allegedly defrauding the estate through the illegal exportation of products that did not comply with international standards.”
The suspects appeared in the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court on 11 December.
Bail of R20 000 each was granted and the case was postponed to 14 March.
In 2003 a long term 15-year agreement and contract between the Bjatladi Community Property Association (CPA), the workers and the Henley Farming Group (HFP) was concluded with HFP having full operational control.
According to a media statement by the HFP on 28 January: “The relationship between the CPA and HFP deteriorated in December resulting in the forceful lockout and removal of senior management. It is during the lockout period that the mismanagement and fraud charges were brought against the three managers thus rendering the estate ungovernable. The picking, packing and sale of fruit was terminated in the height of 2015 citrus export season. This culminated in a financial loss of R12,5 million.”
The statement further read that the three managers were not on the farm as a result of being locked out during the packing of some of the fruit and the managers also gave specific instruction in a meeting which is well documented that no fruit should be mixed.
“The HFP and the Workers Trust contested the civil charges of mismanagement and fraud made by the CPA in the Polokwane High Court on 21 January to defend themselves. Halfway through the first day of court proceedings the legal representative of the CPA approached the legal team of HFP with a request to settle the dispute out of court.”
Subsequently an agreement was reached in the best interest of the safety of the staff working on Zebediela and the future of the farm, whereby:
• All mismanagement allegations and charges of fraud against the management have been withdrawn by the BC.
• The Bjatladi Community will buy the HFP shares in the company, Zebediela Citrus, for an undisclosed sum by 30 June 2016.
• The new shareholders will assume management control of the Estate as of 25 January.
• HFP management have been asked to mentor the Bjatladi Community during the transition period of five months.
• HFP will, on a reciprocal basis, not lay any charges of claims against CPA for wrongful arrest of management, defamation, or loss of income as a result of the lockout.
• The staff will continue their employment contracts and all salaries and wage will be paid as per normal by Zebediela Citrus.
“Zebediela Citrus, has been left well positioned by the HFP with the upgrading of its infrastructure and substantial new plantings and has without a doubt paved the way to a profitable future if managed correctly,” the statement strongly concluded.
