AirZimbabwe in Crisis Over Internet Services Debt

According to the court papers, Powertel is in the business of supplying internet services.

“The defendant (Air Zimbabwe) requested for internet services from the plaintiff [Powertel] in terms of which the plaintiff would supply and render internet services to the defendant, wherein the defendant would pay the stipulated amount for the services rendered as recorded,” Powertel said in its declaration.

“The defendant would pay the requested amount from time to time as per the attached annexure. However, the defendant has accumulated an outstanding balance of $18 441 in arrears and has failed, refused and/or neglected to pay the amount due and owing despite demand.”

On June 21, 2018, Powertel’s legal officer, one P Chenjera wrote to Air Zimbabwe’s financial manager raising concerns over the non-payment of the debt and at the same time threatened legal action against the airline.

“According to our records, Air Zimbabwe owes Powertel a total of $18 441 in respect of internet services rendered. On July 13, 2017, our finance department wrote to you requesting for a payment plan in respect of your overdue account,” Chenjera said.

“Up to now you have not responded to the letter nor did you offer a payment plan. Accordingly, your account has been handed over to the legal department for collection on the basis that you have failed, neglected and/or refused to pay the outstanding amount.

Powertel’s lawyers further said: “In the circumstances, we hereby demand payment of the sum of $18 441 within seven working days from the date of receipt of this letter, failing which we shall hand over the matter to our external lawyers to institute legal proceedings against you to recover the principal amount together with interest, collection commission and the resultant legal costs.”