The application involves 2 028 defendants who were issued summonses for unpaid e-tolls between 2016 and 2019. Outa has been defending these cases for years under its E-Toll Defence Umbrella, arguing that Sanral's failure to act since March 2019 amounts to abandonment. That year, Sanral's board resolved to suspend debt collection while government reviewed the future of the controversial system.
Adv Stefanie Fick, Outa's executive director for accountability, filed the affidavit. Outa is represented by Jennings Inc and senior advocates. Sanral has indicated it will oppose the application. No court date has yet been set.
If the court rules in Outa's favour, the 2 028 cases - valued at over R265-million in total - would be struck from the roll. Outa is also asking that Sanral be ordered to pay its legal costs.