GAUTENG PREMIER DEFIES LAW, OBSTRUCTS SHERIFF OF THE COURT

There is a dramatic stand-off this morning between the Gauteng Premier's Office and the Sheriff of the High Court who has come to remove furniture from the office to pay off a R9.25 million court order directing her to pay the medical costs and upkeep of 12-year-old Prince Sibusiso Khanyi.

Mrs Diana Chivelli, the Deputy Sheriff for Johannesburg Central, has been locked by security on the third floor of the Premier's Office at 30 Simmonds Street in inner city Johannesburg. Security is also preventing the Red Ants from removing the furniture.

Khanyi was brain-damaged when he was born in December 1999 at the Pholosong Hospital on the Far East Rand. The South Gauteng High Court found on 18 February 2011 that he suffered permanent brain injury because of hospital negligence. He lives with his family in Tsakane on the east rand.

The furniture at her 13 story offices was attached by the Sheriff on 21 October last year. According to the inventory, the following goods worth about R1 million were attached:

270 Computers

270 Desks

600 Chairs

10   Lounge suites

100 Printers

10   Copiers

10   Fax machines

10   Small fridges

10   Microwaves

100 Filing cabinets

The Sheriff is there to remove the furniture today as the premier has failed to respond to the court payment order. Her lawyers appealed the judgement, but this appeal has lapsed.

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.

Premier Nomvula Mokonyane has to take responsibility for this debacle arising from her arrogance and incompetent lawyers.

The situation now is extremely serious as it is a criminal offence in terms of the Supreme Court Act to obstruct the Sheriff in carrying out his 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.

Meanwhile, a disabled child suffers because her office has delayed in paying money that would ease his life and that of his family.

Statement by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Caucus Leader, January 18 2012

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