Court intervenes as aluminium door deal sours

A Mazenod resident has taken Matsoso Molahli (33) to the Matala Local Court in a bid to recover M5500 that he paid him for an aluminium door and window that were never delivered.

Sechaba Maliba (44) says he wants the court to order Molahli to make good on his promise and deliver the items, or give him his money back.

The court heard that on January 8, 2025, Maliba entrusted Molahli with M5500 to fabricate a door and window, with an agreed delivery timeframe of one week. 

Maliba explained the urgency, stating the door was intended for someone in Thaba-Tseka before schools reopened. However, the promised week passed without delivery.

Subsequent calls to Molahli in February were met with continued unfulfilled promises. Frustrated, Maliba reported the matter to the Qoaling Police Station.

Woman Police Constable Ramahloko testified that Maliba arrived at the station visibly upset, recounting the agreement and the non-delivery.

Constable Ramahloko further stated that when questioned by the police, Molahli admitted to owing Maliba. He attributed the delay to a shortage of materials at the suppliers.

An agreement was then reached, granting Molahli 30 days to complete the order.

When the 30-day period expired without delivery, Maliba was advised by the police to pursue legal action. 

In court, Molahli acknowledged the debt but cited a cash flow problem. He said he hoped to secure funds from another client to purchase materials to produce Maliba’s items.

Mohahli requested an additional 30 days to fulfill the order. But Maliba was far from impressed by his promises, citing the multiple opportunities already granted. 

In her ruling, Matala Local Court president, Mathuntsi Ntsala, gave Molahli 30 days to deliver the aluminium door and window.

She noted that failure to do so would result in Molahli  repaying Maliba his M5500 in monthly instalments of M1000.

Additionally, Molahli was instructed to pay M622 to cover Maliba’s expenses incurred in opening the case.