Court files show that the defendant sealed off claimant's tailoring and electronic shop at Thyolo flea market after he stayed for a year without paying rentals from 2016 which accrued to K110, 000 in 2018.

Then the claimant dragged the defendant to the Magistrate court demanding 29 Million Kwacha of  damages for letting his shop vulnerable to thieves in 2017.

However, in 2021, the case was referred to the High court for mediation.

Supreme and High Court Registrar, Gladys Gondwe, has told Zodiak that, Justice Dingiswayo Madise, was scheduled to commence mediation last week virtually, but failed due to the absence of the claimant's lawyer.

"The matter is before Justice Madise. Matter is at mediation stage. Mediation was to take place last week virtually, but failed due to absence of the claimant's lawyer," Gondwe said in written response.

However, in a written response, Blantyre Chief Legal Aid Bureau, Rodger Mpembeza, says lawyer for the claimant, returned the file to the Bureau a day before the mediation at the court.

"I will have to check with the lawyer seized with the matter. But I gather the file was returned to Legal Aid Bureau a day before mediation," Mpombeza said.

Representing Thyolo District Council, Attorney General's Principal State Advocate, Neverson Chisiza, in his factual statement, prayed for the dismissal of the case, saying the claimant is inaccurate and misleading the court since his shop had never been broken into.

The defense insists that it is the claimant who owes the defendant in excess of 300, 000 Kwacha in rentals.