By Melisa Munzvandi
It is an old adage that going into business with a friend often leaves you with neither.
For Matsiliso Dube, that piece of folk wisdom became a harsh reality this week. What began as a handshake agreement and a $1,500 loan has dissolved into a bitter legal standoff, proving once again that when money enters the room, loyalty often exits.
Dube hauled Jeffrey Siringa before the court demanding the return of her money.
She told the court she lent Siringa $1,500 on an agreed repayment plan. He only paid $400 through EcoCash and refused to pay back the rest of the money.
Dube said the dates they had agreed on have long passed and there is no communication regarding being paid back.
Siringa did not appear in court to defend the claim. The return of service was confirmed by the court that indeed Siringa was summoned to court.
Regional Magistrate Mbonisi Kaweni ruled in default of the respondent.
He ordered Siringa to pay back $1,100 owed to Dube and he also advised that Dube serves Siringa the order.