The bank received a directive to reclaim Eric Mathoho's vehicle due to missed payments.

The High Court in Johannesburg has issued a court order allowing Standard Bank to reclaim Mulomowandau Mathoho's VW Polo sedan, who was a defender for the Kaizer Chiefs. 

Mathoho did not return the vehicle to Standard Bank despite not being able to maintain his monthly payments. The bank sought legal action last year to obtain relief after the tall soccer player evaded it with payment. 

Following a review of the issue, the court registrar authorized a warrant for the delivery of goods to the deputy sheriff approximately two weeks prior. 

“You are hereby directed to attach, take into execution, and deliver to the plaintiff a certain: 2019 Volkswagen Polo Sedan GP 1.4 CL from the defendant at [address withheld], that the asset may be handed over to a duly authorised representative of the plaintiff and/or the sheriff of the high court, that the sheriff or duly authorised representative should be authorised to attach the asset wherever it may be found and place the plaintiff in possession thereof for which this shall be your warrant,” reads the warrant for delivery of goods, which Sunday World has seen.

In its request for an order to reclaim the vehicle, Standard Bank stated that around February 6, 2019, Mathoho obtained a loan exceeding R250 000 for the purchase of the car. The overall expense of the contract, encompassing interest, expenses, and fees, amounted to R380 000. 

The ex-Bafana Bafana defender was required to settle over R5 000 in monthly payments, with the last payment due on the first of this month. 

They concurred, as stated in the application, that the bank would retain ownership of the vehicle until Mathoho had reimbursed the bank for all debts owed, after which ownership would be conveyed to him. The bank stated that Mathoho did not fulfill the payment obligations outlined in the agreement. 

“The defendant is in default of his obligations under the agreement and has been in default for a period of at least 20 business days since the date on which the default commenced.

“As of September 16, 2024, the arrears amount owing by the defendant to the plaintiff under the agreement was R49 626.” read the papers.

The bank said it sent a letter to Mathoho on September 25 last year, informing him that he had failed to make payment of the full monthly instalments due.

“The defendant was required to remedy his breach of the agreement by making payment of the arrears and all overdue amounts under the agreement to the plaintiff,” read the court papers.

The bank also indicated that if the ex-Bloemfontein Celtic defender does not rectify his violation of the contract and settle the overdue payments, it would have the right to terminate the contract and reclaim the total outstanding amount from the football player. 

Despite the default notice, the bank indicated in its documents that Mathoho did not address, declined to address, or ignored the breach of the contract. Due to Matthew's inability to address his breach of the agreement, the bank had the right to terminate the contract. 

The bank announced its decision to terminate the agreement and collect the full sum of all debts owed by the player. 

“As the plaintiff has lawfully cancelled the agreement, the defendant is now in unlawful possession of the goods.