PLETTENBERG BAY - Bitou Mayor Jessica Kamkam has obtained a writ of execution against the municipal manager, Mbuleo Memani, to recoup R1,6m, part of a golden handshake that Memani has not repaid. The total sum that needs to be repaid is R1 691 510.86 together with interest and costs.

Kamkam has also obtained a writ of execution against Memani’s legal representative, Bulelani Bans, for more than R300 000 (including interest). This money has since been repaid.

The sheriff of the court in Knysna approached Memani on Thursday to attach his moveable property as part of the order granted.

A high court judgment in October last year ordered that Memani repay the “mutually agreed termination agreement” totalling R4,2m. Memani’s R1,6m was calculated after tax.

Immediate payment demanded

According to court papers, Bitou Municipality has received R800 000.00 from Memani as a part repayment. However, "to date he has failed, refused and /or neglected to make any further payment towards the amount still outstanding in the sum of R1 675 800.24."

Kamkam said in the court documents that Memani is currently the municipal manager and accounting officer of Bitou Municipality.

“I believe he is the owner of immovable property, and his appointment as a senior manager in local government enabled him to accumulate and build an extensive asset base consisting of both immovable and movable assets. He is undoubtedly more than able to afford and pay the outstanding amount immediately,” she said.

Requests for comment have been sent to Memani, Bans and Kamkam. As soon as these are received, they will be added to the article.

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