Mokonyane 'disobeys' court

Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane's security guards yesterday prevented the deputy sheriff of the Johannesburg High Court from collecting furniture worth R10-million from her office.

Mokonyane's office furniture was attached in October following the Gauteng government's failure to pay off medical costs after the parents of 12-year-old Sibusiso Khanyi sued the Pholosong Hospital for staff negligence after Khanyi's birth with brain damage.

Mokonyane's spokesperson Xoli Mngambi yesterday admitted that the sheriff of the court came to the offices to attach goods.

"The premier was not in the office at the time, she was visiting schools and communities the whole day.

"I heard that the sheriff had gone to the office to attach [furniture]. We have spoken to our legal department and they are holding a meeting with the sheriff and the matter is being resolved," said Mngambi.

But sources at Mokonyane's office who were present during the sheriff's visit, claimed there was tension between the Red Ants and the Premier's security, who blocked the Red Ants when they attempted to remove furniture.

"The security staff closed all doors and they told the Red Ants who were with the sheriff that they could not remove furniture.

"But the Red Ants were insisting that they should be allowed to do their work since there was a court order," said a source.

DA leader in the legislature Jack Bloom, who witnessed the stand-off, said almost all the furniture at Mokonyane's 13-storey offices was attached by the sheriff in October.

"The sheriff was there to remove furniture as the premier has failed to respond to the court payment order.

"Her lawyers appealed the judgment, but this appeal has lapsed," said Bloom.

"It is an utter disgrace that the premier has failed to obey this court order that would assist Khanyi's struggling family to look after him," said Bloom.

It is a criminal offence in terms of the Supreme Court Act to obstruct the sheriff's officers in the carrying out of their duties.

"Mokonyane should obey the law just like everyone else and pay the full amount in good time.

"It's a very sad day for our province when the premier defies the law," said Bloom.