By Panashe Divine Karidzagundi
A Beitbridge man has been ordered by the court to refund R7 550 after selling a faulty vehicle engine to another man in a dispute that spilled to the Small Claims Court.
Herbester Mnindwa dragged John Mutumburi to court where they appeared before Magistrate Mbonisi Kaweni on Friday.
Mnindwa sought the return of his money after purchasing what he later discovered was a defective engine.
Mnindwa told the court that in October 2023 he bought a Toyota Regius engine from Mutumburi for R9 000.
However, after the engine was fitted and examined by a mechanic, serious faults were discovered.
“I bought a faulty engine from him. When the mechanic checked it, he discovered that the oil pump and the crankshaft had problems,” Mnindwa said.
He added that Mutumburi was present when the defects were identified and later took the engine back.
Mutumburi failed to refund the money despite several attempts by Mnindwa to recover it.
In his defence, Mutumburi admitted selling the engine but said he had originally bought it intending to use it himself and had not opened it before selling it.
“I sold it in the same condition I bought it in. Later, when they were repairing it, the mechanic discovered the faults,” Mutumburi told the court.
He said he later collected the engine after Mnindwa indicated he wanted his money back but took time to refund the amount due to financial challenges.
Mutumburi told the court he had tried to partially compensate Mnindwa, saying he once gave Mnindwa’s wife R1 000 to help buy diesel for watering drying beans and also handed over shoes worth R250.
When questioned by Kaweni, Mutumburi admitted that he still owed Mnindwa money and initially offered to pay R200 per month.
Kaweni advised Mutumburi to negotiate a reasonable repayment plan with the Mnindwa, warning that the court could impose stricter terms if the parties failed to agree.
However, Mnindwa rejected the proposal and insisted on receiving the full amount at once, arguing that Mutumburi had the financial means to settle the debt.
“This guy makes a lot of money. He even bought a house and sold his car but never gave me my money. I want it all,” Mnindwa told the court.
After hearing both sides, Kaweni ruled in favour of Mnindwa and ordered Mutumburi to pay R7 550 to Mnindwa within the period specified by Mnindwa.