Komsberg grape farm sued for N$1,5 million

In a combined summons issued by the High Court on Thursday last week, Kleophas Paulus through lawyers Henry Shimutwikeni & Co. Inc gave notice of his intention to claim for relief, for shock and emotional trauma suffered.The company has been given ten days to indicate whether they will defend the application.In the summons Socotra Island Investments is listed as the first respondent, Christopher Silver as second respondent and Jacque Clift as the third respondent.Three weeks ago Paulus and his friend were caught by the management of Komsberg grape farms using a private road belonging to the company to fetch firewood. Paulus' friend managed to escape but Paulus was reportedly recognized by a mechanic employed at the grape farm, Christopher Silver, who assaulted him. Thereafter Silver reportedly bumped Paulus with his quadbike, drove over him twice and spinned with the quad bike's wheels on his body, resulting in various injuries. Silver, aged 31, was arrested and appeared in the Karasburg Magistrates Court, while the case has been postponed to 30 March 2022. He remains in lawful custody.According to the summons, Jacques Clift reportedly subjected Paulus to psychological and physical torture, inhumane and degradating treatment as he allegedly tied him to a chair with cables and tried to coerce him into making a false statement about rocks that were packed on the road that they used.Socotra Island Investments is being held liable with the first and second defendants as they were respectively and jointly working in the scope of the business of Socotra and are employees of the company.

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