Rusape school sues ex-chair for $16 000

HIGHVELD Primary — an private trust school in Rusape — which is reeling from alleged financial and administrative boobs has dragged its former long serving board chairperson Dr Dunmore Kusano to court in a bid to recover a debt of $16 000.

Dr Kusano was the co-founder and partner at Makuma Medica Centre, a premier medical facility in Rusape before the partnership cracked, prompting him to relocate and set base at Checheche Business Centre, in Chipinge.

Dr is also a politician who once contested the Makoni Central seat on a Mavambo/Kusile/ Dawn ticket.

Highveld is accusing Dr Kusano, who is now operating a surgery at Checheche of failing to pay school fees for his two children who were enrolled at the school during his tenure as the board of governors’ chair.

Highveld is represented by Mr Leonard Chigadza, of Chigadza and Associates Legal Practitioners.

Mr Chigadza, who also sits in the school board, insists that Dr Kusano must pay an interest of 10 per annum and costs of the suit.

“The defendant (Dr Kusano) enrolled his daughter from grade One to Seven. Kusano failed and or neglected to pay school fees for the said child resulting in US$10 000 being outstanding. The defendant has failed and or neglected to pay the said amount despite repeated demand.

“Plaintiff is claiming US$10 000 from Kusano being outstanding fees, interest at the prevailing court rate from January 1, 2018, 10 percent collection commission and cost of suit at an attorney client scale.

“Kusano also enrolled his son at Highveld Primary School but failed and or neglected to pay US$5 909,” Mr Chigadza told the court.

Dr Kusano is not disputing owing school and has entered consent to judgement. However, he is disputing the amount.

During the pre-trial conference before magistrate Ms Patience Ururu-Madondo Dr Kusano offered to clear the debt through a $200 monthly payment plan, but this was rejected by Mr Chigadza.

“I admit that I am liable to Highveld in the amount and costs to date and consent to judgement accordingly. The defendant denies that the amount claimed represents the true amount owing as at date of entering plea.

‘‘Whereof defendant prays for correction of the plaintiff’s claim before making a payment plan insofar as it exceeds the true and total amount owing,” said Dr Kusano.