The war between famous SABC 2 Muvhango actor, Joe Ragwala, or Ntshavheni to his thousands of loyal fans, and well-known Limpopo businessman Mr Goddard Mugwena is far from over. The two are still embroiled in protracted court cases and the businessman recently issued a letter of demand against the TV star, claiming an amount in excess of R10 000 as money owed to his school, Injectmed Paramedics in Thohoyandou.

Ragwala is said to have failed to pay and his only car, a white Colt bakkie, was allegedly attached.

His other car, a luxury Mazda, was burnt out and completely destroyed at his home at HaMangilasi last year.

This has led people to conclude that he is broke and is believed to have hit hard times.

He is now alleged to be a pedestrian and commuting by public transport, a far cry from the days he used to change cars.

The latest debacle is alleged to have surfaced during a routine audit of the businessman’s financial affairs early last month.

“It is true that we have managed to attach the Colt bakkie after this man failed to pay the outstanding monies he owed my business. I have the documentation and I am very sure he owes me,” said Mugwena.

Mugwena said while going through the books he came across a file belonging to Ragwala. He remembered that the company had refunded a certain Mr Ragwala in 2008 after it was claimed that he had overpaid them by R1 600.

“I was very shocked to find that the file belonged to the Mr Ragwala with whom I am fighting in court. I also discovered that the money he had allegedly overpaid, did not reflect in his file, which means he got the R1 600 free of charge and did not pay for his registration and tuition,” he said.

“I want to teach him a lesson that one has to work very hard in order to enjoy life; there are no shortcuts. I worked very hard to be where I am today and he just comes and has a good harvest. He will have to account for his deeds,” he said.

Mugwena said he would not rest until Ragwala and his wife had paid back all the money he believed they had accumulated illegally from his businesses.

“Their failure to pay the amount for his studies clearly shows that they are broke and I will make sure that they are left penniless. If they go to court, I am also ready to meet them there, and if they do not pay, we will be forced to sell the car to defray the costs,” he said.

Even before being confronted with the allegations, Ragwala called this paper to put the record straight. He dismissed everything as hogwash and an attempt by the businessman to further tarnish his good image in the community.

“I do not know what this man is talking about as I do not own the car he is talking about. The man is taking everything very personally. This is a campaign to continue defaming my good name and reputation. If he has other issues, why can’t he face me and we talk them over?” he said.

Ragwala said the businessman had made him suffer a lot already, but continued to make his life miserable.

“This man has accused me of many things which I know nothing about. He has made my life hell. Why does he not seem to tire making me suffer? What wrong have I done to him?” he asked.

Ragwala is to appear in court together with his other accused on the 28 April 2010 on conspiracy charges, while his wife Dorries will be appearing on 8 March 2010 on fraud charges.