JOBURG homeowners have unleashed lawyers on Drip owner Lekau Sehoana after he allegedly defaulted on payment of levies for his home.
Daily Sun has learnt that Heerschop Pienaar Attorneys, lawyers for the owners of a residential complex in the north of Joburg where Lekau's home is situated, wrote a letter of demand to the businessman to settle arrears on his levy account.
They have threatened to institute legal proceedings against him, if he fails to comply with their demand.
Lekau's shops, which sold Drip, a popular sneaker in Mzansi, closed down last year after his company Drip Footwear went bust following struggles to service its debts.
He has since launched a new footwear venture called Kite.
In the letter of demand, which Daily Sun has seen, the lawyers stated that Lekau had signed an agreement with the homeowners' association of the complex when he purchased the property, undertaking to pay his levies on the first day of every month.
They also attached a board resolution which shows that in the event he defaults on payment and falls into arrears, 24% interest will be levied on the outstanding amount.
"Through your ownership of the property you are a member of our client. By virtue of your ownership of the property and subsequent membership of our client, you are responsible for inter alia payment of your monthly levies, which includes but is not limited to the agreed monthly levy amount, and/or any other related charges," read the letter.
The lawyers said Lekau defaulted on his levies payment and was over R22 000 in arrears. They demanded he pay the outstanding amount and keep his account up to date.
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"We have accordingly been instructed to demand from you, as we hereby do, that you make payment of the indebted amount within 7 (Seven) days hereof, failing which our client reserves its right to institute the necessary legal action for the recovery of the indebted amount, together with any interest thereon," reads the letter.
The lawyers stated Lekau will be liable for legal costs if they take him to court to recover the arrears.
"In this regard, kindly take notice that you will be held liable for the payment of all legal costs associated with the collection of the indebted amount from yourself on the attorney and client scale. We are however optimistic that the aforementioned legal proceedings will not be necessary and look forward to receiving payment of the indebted amount without further delay," they wrote.
The letter was accompanied by an email written by Cherise Laas-Nicholson of Heerschop and Pienaar Attorneys, who informed Lekau if payment is not received and legal action is taken against him, he will be liable for legal fees incurred.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Laas-Nicholson confirmed they have sent a letter of demand to Lekau to remit payment.
She said despite sending the letter, Lekau has not contacted them to make payment arrangements.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Lekau said although the house is registered in his name, his brother, and not him, is responsible for the payment of the levies.
"I have built the house for the family, and the responsibility of the upkeep is with my brother. But it's not a big hooah. He probably misses it and he will directly deal with it with the estate rather than in the media," he said.
