I was told by the attorney’s that the case would take some time, plus minus two years. This ‘friend’ was brought before the high court in Johannesburg, and I won the case (as I thought) the emoluments to be attached to the said friend’s income.
He was then brought before the Magistrate in Germiston court to pay an amount of R1 000 per month.
These payments never came to fruition, and I had to notify my lawyers that he had not paid. Again, another six months and still no results. I was told that the documentation had been lost. Then it was found; another call to my lawyer and I was told that there was now a tax problem.
Being very frustrated, I made an appointment to see my lawyer with me having had enough, our meeting was rather a heated affair (as this was now four years) and still no result.
I was then told that should I want the emoluments attached that I had to pay another R10 000. I thought about this over a couple of days and decided that I was not prepared to put any more money into this case.
My costs, R25 000 plus R1 500 plus R 10 000 plus R 6300, to get a return of R1 000 before he even starts paying me what he owes me.
My own personal opinion; lawyers bleed their clients. To date, four years later, this case is still not concluded and R42 800 later, what a waste!
Lawyers let criminals run free. I’m disappointed in the judical system.
Hilton Talmage, New Redruth
