Shop worker wrecks judge's car

2005-08-18 09:23

Llewellyn Prince

Cape Town - The Western Cape judge president is claiming more than R140 000 from a luxury car dealer in Green Point for the repairs of damage to his car after one of the dealer's employees crashed it.

Judge John Hlope last week handed in court documents about the claim at the High Court against Pearl Automotive (Pty) Ltd, who trades as MG Rover Cape at the De Waterkant Centre in Somerset Road.

Hlope stated that Pearl Automotive received his MG Rover TF Cabriolet in February to do repairs.

"On February 16 the car, driven by an employee of the defendant, a Mr Joubert, was involved in an accident at Borcherds Quarry Rd near the Cape Town International Airport," the statement read.

Caused by negligence

Hlope said the accident was caused by Joubert's negligence because he wasn't on the lookout while driving and that he didn't have control over the car. Hlope alleged that Joubert was driving too fast. He also didn't take the necessary steps to brake in time to prevent the accident.

Hlope alleged Joubert was at the time of the accident an employee of Pearl Automotive and that he acted in this capacity while driving the car.

According to court documents the car was severely damaged as a result of Joubert's negligence, and that the sum of R142  660,53 was a reasonable and just amount for the repairs of the damage.

Hlope alleged that Pearl Automotive was responsible for paying the money, but the company was refusing to pay despite being requested. The judge was claiming the amount plus interest from Pearl Automotive.

According to court documents, Pearl Automotive must within 10 days of receiving the summons, indicate whether the claim would be rejected, and if so, the necessary court documents must be handed in within 20 days.

- Die Burger