Body corporate member must pay R108k to keep lights on

The body corporate of a residential complex in Johannesburg has won a case against an owner who owes more than R100 000 for levies and power and can now disconnect his electricity.

- Vhahangwele Nemakonde

The High Court in Johannesburg ruled in favour of the body corporate yesterday.

The body corporate of The Straight approached the court after one of its members failed to pay an amount of R107 940.63 in levies and electricity charges, together with interest and costs.

Additionally, the body corporate sought authorisation to engage the services of an electrician to disconnect the electricity supply to the member's unit until the outstanding electricity charges and interest on that amount were paid.

The member bought the unit on 30 June 2014, for just more than R1 million. As the owner of a unit of the scheme, the respondent is automatically a member of the body corporate.

The obligations of the trustees of the body corporate include the recovery of levies, which are charged to its members on a monthly basis.