Star Lotto ordered to pay winner $306 000

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BULAWAYO High Court judge Justice Nokuthula Moyo has ordered Star Lotto Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd to pay Kumbirai Ruguva the August 14 2013 rich pickings of $306 000 after more than six months of legal wrangling.

BULAWAYO High Court judge Justice Nokuthula Moyo has ordered Star Lotto Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd to pay Kumbirai Ruguva the August 14 2013 rich pickings of $306 000 after more than six months of legal wrangling.

SILAS NKALA STAFF REPORTER

Ruguva, who was represented by lawyer Godwin Sengweni, won the jackpot, but Star Lotto then insisted that he comes up with a suitable investment plan before it could release the prize money.

Ruguva said he submitted an investment plan that Star Lotto rejected prompting him to file an application at the High Court in November last year seeking an order compelling the gambling company to pay him the jackpot prize.

Ruguva’s lawyer submitted to the High Court that the investment plan demanded by Star Lotto was not part of its terms and conditions.

Delivering her order, Justice Moyo said Star Lotto appeared to be clutching at straws in a bid to avoid paying Ruguva.

“I accordingly find that respondent (Star Lotto) should pay applicant (Ruguva) his dues as there is no basis whatsoever for refusing to do so,” Justice Moyo ruled.

“Respondent be and is hereby ordered to pay applicant the sum of $306 000 being the Star Lotto jackpot prize of 14 August 2013 and the respondent pays the cost of suit.”

Star Lotto is a joint venture between foreign investors and businesswoman Letina Undenge, who is the wife of deputy Finance minister Samuel Undenge.

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