…after failing to settle guesthouse debt
Kabelo Masoabi
A South African man has landed in hot water after failing to pay a measly M1785 for his stay at Empire Guesthouse in Leribe.
of M1785 says he was denied an opportunity to settle his bill before being arrested, the Leribe Magistrate’s Court heard this week.
Guy David Gibbons (43), from Bergville, has appeared before Leribe Magistrate Thoora Semela on the charge of fraud over the non -payment. His trial commenced on Monday and continues today (Thursday).
He argues that he would have eventually settled the debt but was arrested before he could.
Defence counsel, Advocate Ramaema Mahula, told the court that his client arrived at the guesthouse on 19 October 2025 and requested accommodation for eight days but was arrested on the third day of his stay while experiencing difficulties accessing funds from his bank accounts.
Adv Mahula said Gibbons had informed the guesthouse management that he could not pay upfront as he did not have cash, but intended to make an electronic transfer once he accessed his funds.
He submitted that the accused had only stayed two nights of the eight requested when he was apprehended by police at St Monica’s in Leribe.
“He has been in custody since 21 October 2025 until today, so there was no way he could have resolved the payment while in custody,” Advo Mahula told the court.
He further argued that the prosecution had failed to present evidence showing that Mr Gibbons’ bank accounts were depleted or overdrawn at the time of the alleged offence.
“What proof can be produced in court at this moment? None.
The court heard testimony from Empire Guesthouse manager Nthabiseng Pitso, the crown’s key witness. Ms Pitso said Gibbons arrived requesting accommodation for eight days and was allowed to check in without upfront payment after claiming he would transfer the money electronically.
She testified that after two nights she demanded payment. Mr Gibbons asked for the bill but left while it was being prepared and did not return immediately.
Ms Pitso further told the court that police officers from nearby St Monica’s Police Station later arrived looking for Gibbons, informing her that he had allegedly failed to pay a 4+1 taxi driver who had transported him to the guesthouse.
“I was advised to alert the police when the accused returned,” she said.
She later received a message instructing her to report to the police station, where she found Gibbons already in custody.
According to Ms Pitso, Gibbons claimed he had travelled to Maputsoe to resolve issues with his bank card but had been unsuccessful. Police then directed him to return to the guesthouse to settle the outstanding bill.
In an attempt to demonstrate that he had funds, Gibbons allegedly used internet banking on Ms Pitso’s phone to show her a Standard Bank account. However, she testified that she observed an overdraft of approximately M65 000 on one account and a negative balance of about M500 on another.
Ms Pitso also told the court that Mr Gibbons mentioned owing money to a police officer and said he wished to settle all outstanding debts.
According to a report by investigating officer, Sergeant Mosiuoa Ramakatsa, Gibbons arrived at St Monica’s Police Station on 19 October 2025, stating that he had reached his daily bank withdrawal limit. He subsequently requested and was granted a loan of M3000 from a police officer, claiming the money was needed to settle “special” transport debt and attend to personal matters. He has since failed to repay the loan.
The court heard that Gibbons was subsequently arrested and charged with fraud. He was also allegedly arrested for entering the country without valid travel documents.
According to a statement published on the Lesotho Mounted Police Service’s official Facebook page, Gibbons is facing additional fraud allegations in other parts of the country.
In Maseru, he is accused of obtaining M1500 from a Ha Matala woman after allegedly claiming that his wife had withheld his ATM cards. The woman reportedly never saw him again after lending him the money.
The trial continues.
