Online betting company Bezbets has had its property attached by the Messenger of Court over US$5,400 owed to a Harare punter. The seized assets include television sets, boardroom chairs, a printer, and a refrigerator, among other items.
Additionally, the company has been ordered to pay interest on the amount at a rate of 5% per annum, calculated from October 2023 until the full payment is made.
This action follows a civil court order issued after Bezbets refused to pay the punter, accusing him of using unorthodox methods to win the bet. The punter initially took the company to the Harare Magistrates Court and won the case in March. Subsequently, he initiated civil proceedings to recover his US$5,400 windfall.
“Having perused documents filed of record, default judgment be and is hereby granted in default as follows: an order for payment of the sum of US$5,400 being damages for breach of contract, payable in local currency at the prevailing rate on the date of payment,” ruled Civil Court magistrate Sharon Mashavira.
The court heard that on October 26, 2023, the punter placed a bet on the roulette with a stake of US$394 on the Bezbets online platform and won US$5,400.
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However, the company refused to pay him the full amount and instead offered US$1,800, claiming he had breached betting rules.
The seizure of Bezbets’ property underscores the court’s commitment to enforcing judgments and ensuring that companies honor their contractual obligations. Further developments are expected as the company navigates its legal and financial responsibilities.
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